Behavioral Specialists - New Haven YMCA Camp

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Behavioral Specialist to enhance the camp experience for children. This role focuses on supporting staff in managing camper behavior, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring a safe and inclusive environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong educational background in fields like education or psychology and experience working with children, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Join a passionate team committed to instilling core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of campers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field preferred with experience in behavioral management.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management.

Responsibilities

• Support staff in managing camper behavior and ensuring a positive camp experience.
• Develop behavior strategies and collaborate with parents and staff.

Skills

Behavior Management

Relationship Building

De-escalation Techniques

Collaboration

Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, special education, psychology

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database Management Platforms

Job description

Behavioral Specialists - New Haven YMCA Camp

Pay: Competitive

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Employment type: Other

Job Description

This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Behavior Specialist supports staff in managing camper behavior with the goal of helping campers build relationships, supporting transitions, understanding camp expectations, and following rules. This role also supports campers requesting special accommodations to attend camp, overall health and safety of campers and staff, and support/reasonable accommodations made for campers to have a successful camp experience.

• Models and teaches the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with members, colleagues, staff, guests, volunteers, and vendors.
• Develops, maintains, and facilitates positive relationships with and between volunteers, members, program participants, staff, and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Supports day camp programs and staff in managing behavioral incidents and concerns.
• Helps assigned camper(s) participate in camp activities and engage in appropriate/meaningful social interactions.
• Assists in de-escalation of day-to-day behavioral incidents at the branch or program site.
• Creates behavior strategies for children while promoting a positive environment and instilling the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Provides assessments, creates plans, and trains staff to be effective in carrying out the behavior plans in each environment.
• Meets with parents and staff as necessary to create a collaborative approach to managing behaviors for a positive outcome.
• Completes required documentation to meet state and local licensing requirements.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, special education, psychology, or related field strongly preferred.
• One to three years of experience in a school or clinical setting working as part of a care team.
• Experience working with children on the autism spectrum preferred.
• Must know effective, evidence-based practices that support inclusion.
• Strong proficiency in software applications including Microsoft Office and database management platforms.

About the Company

Since 1859, the Central Connecticut Coast Y branches have served as community centers in the heart of the twenty-five towns we serve. Much of the Central Connecticut Coast Y’s work is supported by membership dues, program fees and grants.