Behavior Health and Disabilities Manager

Catholic Charities Comm•Peoria, AZ

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Our Head Start and Early Head Start program is seeking a compassionate Early Childhood Behavior Health Specialist to support young children's social-emotional development and success in the classroom. In this role, one will partner with teachers, families, and multidisciplinary staff to provide behavior support, coaching, classroom interventions, and individualized strategies that create safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environments. If you are passionate about early intervention and making a lasting impact on the lives of children and families, we'd love to have you join our team. JOB SUMMARY: The Early Childhood Behavior Specialist (BHS) provides classroom behavior support to ensure compliance of Head Start Performance Standards in an environment of continuous program improvement. The BHS provides hands-on support to teachers for children with behaviors that interfere with their ability to participate comfortably and appropriately in classroom routines and special events or pose a safety or health risk to themselves or others. The BHS conducts classroom observations to make individual observations of children referred for suspected behavior and assists in developing Behavior Intervention Plans when appropriate. Utilizes parental information, observation, and teacher feedback to determine strategies and models and guides teachers to implement approved behavior techniques within the classroom. The BHS develops classroom management practices, support plans and procedures, and shares strategies and expectations with appropriate staff and family members for implementation. The BHS may complete additional child assessments, communicate findings, and help determine next steps when appropriate. Utilizes referral information for children needing further evaluation for services and provides family support through the referral process. Classroom supports include assistance with teacher skill building, one-on-one safety intervention staff consultation, small group instruction, and classroom management/environmental interventions that support social-emotional well-being of the child.

Requirements

Associates Degree in Early Childhood, Psychology, Behavioral Health, Social Work, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Minimum of one (1) year experience working with 3-5-year-old children with behavior problems and their families, as well as training adults on behavior management techniques working in a classroom setting and/or consulting with teachers a plus.
Second language fluency (speaking, reading, writing) preferred (languages spoken within the program include but are not limited to the languages of Mexico and Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia).
Knowledge and understanding of the Head Start Program.
Demonstrated understanding of infant and early childhood behavioral health.
Experience working with children in trauma and knowledge of trauma informed care.
Understanding of intentional social-emotional curriculum, materials and strategies.
Knowledge or experience in organization and operations of educational social services.
Knowledge of supports to children with atypical behaviors, substance abused newborns and/or exposure to trauma as well as disability services preferred.
Understanding of applicable laws, regulations, statutes, and polices related to early childhood programming.
Must be able to communicate effectively and accurately in written and verbal form.
Must have attention to detail and ability to maintain program statistics and effectively manage time to balance program needs.
Diversity management with sensitivity to the cultural differences within the agency, program, and community.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word and Outlook).
Meets Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) requirements for licensure.
Possesses or acquires, and maintains, Arizona Department of Public Safety Level One Fingerprint Clearance.
Provides tuberculosis self-screening form annually. May also be required to follow recommendations for further tuberculosis testing, as applicable.
Meets federal Head Start employment requirements including physical examination at hire.
Possesses and maintains valid Arizona driver license (An individual must be 21 years of age or older to drive on behalf of Catholic Charities Community Services Westside Head Start).
Reliable personal transportation and ability to show proof of current/valid vehicle registration and insurance with state minimum liability coverage.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree
Second language fluency (speaking, reading, writing) preferred (languages spoken within the program include but are not limited to the languages of Mexico and Latin America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia).
Knowledge of supports to children with atypical behaviors, substance abused newborns and/or exposure to trauma as well as disability services preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop relationship-based collaborations with teachers that builds on their strengths and provides intensive differentiated support to improve teaching practice.
Offer support to teaching staff for behavior management, which may include de-escalation and crisis management training, behavior intervention, modeling appropriate behavior strategies and conducting student observations.
Assist instructional staff in identifying inappropriate behaviors and develop better behavior alternatives.
Complete individual observations, write reports and communicate with teachers, team members, and the family plans to implement including classroom strategies and supports needed, behavioral plans, and follow-up.
Meet with teachers and families to develop individual intervention plans for behavior, share resources to support family with managing behaviors.
Plan, conduct and provide staff training regarding early childhood behavior health and behavior strategies.
Actively communicate with teaching staff regarding progress and regressions.
Review, monitor and complete classroom observations.
Monitor and follow-up on child strategy plans and implementation.
Maintain records of children’s progress, services provided and behavioral data.
Produce requested reports.
Collaborate with team members and outside agencies and families for referral and consultation services.
Participates in the process of ongoing professional and personal development which specifically targets behavior focused de-escalation strategies to utilize with young children.
Researches and stays informed about evidence-based practice relative to the behavioral support process as it relates to children with behavioral challenges.
Provides individual support and role modeling to teachers by observing in the classroom and helping them in reaching specific plan goals.
Educate and coordinate with parents to carry-out plans at home, when applicable.
Ensures opportunities are provided for all children to practice appropriate social skills in a structured setting.
Collects, analyzes, and interprets behavioral data to assist staff in the classroom.
Participates in program planning, budget development, and analysis of community trends within the area of expertise.
Models professional standards and ethics in accordance with agency philosophy.
In accordance with our “one team” philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.
Promote ongoing commitment to excellence and continual quality improvement to ensure the highest quality of services to our staff and clients.
Other duties as assigned.
This position may require flexibility in scheduling to attend and actively participate in evening and weekend events, including but not limited to parent meetings, family engagement activities, community outreach events, trainings, recruitment efforts, program celebrations, and other agency-sponsored functions as assigned.
Prepares, and attends all meetings, trainings, and conferences as assigned.
Maintains self and functional work environment.
Performs other tasks as may be required for the efficient comprehensive, integrated program.