Behavior Specialist

Self Help • Brockton, MA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Self Help Inc. is currently looking for an experienced Behavior Specialist to join our team. Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts. The Behavior Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the social-emotional development and addressing the behavioral needs of children enrolled in our Head Start program. This position involves working collaboratively with teaching staff, families, and mental health professionals to implement positive behavior support strategies, conduct observations and assessments, and develop individualized behavior plans. The Behavior Specialist promotes a positive and inclusive learning environment where all children can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. This role requires a strong understanding of child development, trauma-informed practices, and culturally responsive approaches.

Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances
• Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
• Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is required
• Ability to observe and interact with young children in various settings, including sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting small children (if necessary)
• Ability to manage stressful situations calmly and effectively
• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education (with a focus on special education or behavior), or a related field.
• Experience working with young children (ages 3-5) with diverse behavioral needs in an educational or therapeutic setting.
• Strong knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavior support principles
• Experience conducting behavioral observations and assessments, including FBAs
• Experience developing and implementing individualized behavior support plans
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Nice To Haves

• Head Start experience is a plus

Responsibilities

• Conduct systematic observations of children in classroom and other program settings to identify patterns of behavior and contributing factors
• Utilize a variety of assessment tools and techniques to evaluate children's social-emotional functioning and behavioral needs
• Collaborate with teachers and families to gather comprehensive information regarding a child's behavior
• Contribute to the development of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
• Develop individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) based on assessment data and in collaboration with teachers, families, and other relevant team members
• Recommend and model evidence-based positive behavior management strategies and techniques for classroom staff and families
• Provide training and ongoing support to teaching teams on implementing PBSPs and creating positive classroom environments
• Assist in the development and implementation of program-wide positive behavior support initiatives
• Provide direct support and consultation to classroom teachers in managing challenging behaviors and implementing effective behavior management strategies
• Model appropriate interactions and interventions for staff to use with children exhibiting behavioral challenges
• Assist in adapting classroom routines, activities, and the environment to prevent challenging behaviors and promote engagement
• Participate in classroom team meetings to discuss children's behavioral progress and strategies
• Provide parents with information, resources, and support related to positive behavior management techniques at home
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss children's social-emotional and behavioral needs
• Assist in the referral process for children needing more intensive mental health services
• Provide support and guidance to staff in managing crisis situations involving children's behavior, ensuring the safety of all individuals
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of observations, assessments, and interventions
• Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• LTD
• FSA
• 403B
• Vacation Time
• Optional Time
• Sick Time
• Holidays
• Disability Benefits
• Life Insurance
• Direct Deposit

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level