Behavior Specialist

YMCA of the Suncoast•Clearwater, FL

17d

About The Position

The Behavior Specialist works collaboratively with children, staff, families, and school district staff to support individual participants who present challenging behaviors in youth programs, including summer camp, before and after care, and Kids Zones. The specialist identifies areas of need and develops plans that create successful opportunities for youth, along with training and coaching opportunities for staff. The position provides early intervention and onsite support, collaborates with school and community partners, models effective behavior-management strategies, and connects parents with support and community resources. The specialist also contributes to YMCA community engagement, fundraising and mission-advancement activities, and the association’s youth development, healthy living, volunteerism, and philanthropy initiatives.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of experience working with children.
Must meet YMCA of the Suncoast driving criteria.
CPR and First Aid required.
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and remain outdoors for extended periods.
Ability to squat, stoop, or bend into awkward positions and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to multitask and manage and cultivate relationships.
High emotional maturity.
Strong communication, written, verbal, presentation, and organizational skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Psychology or Special Education.

Responsibilities

Provide early intervention when deemed necessary.
Provide onsite support and collaborate with on-site staff, school personnel, families, and other early childhood agencies as appropriate.
Provide staff development opportunities and model effective strategies to manage behavior.
Provide parent support and resources for community services.
Work closely with the Director of Training and Support to provide updates on referred children.
Help create a nurturing and safe environment by reporting suspicious activity that may lead to child abuse or violate the code of conduct.
Represent and promote the YMCA in the local community and develop positive working relationships with organizations, businesses, and governmental entities.
Promote and communicate YMCA objectives and programs through public communication media.
Participate in schools, school districts, community organizations, and community events.
Incorporate storytelling to advance the YMCA’s mission and cause.
Participate in Annual Campaign efforts and branch special events for fundraising or mission advancement.
Serve as a member of the school age team and support YMCA association objectives.
Teach, role model, and promote SMART behavior.
Support GPS initiatives and advance the YMCA’s work in youth development, healthy living, volunteerism, and philanthropy.
Incorporate Living Our Cause into work products and behavior.