Behavioral Intervention Specialist (26-27 School Year)

Kids in the Game•New York, NY

5d•$24 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Kids in the Game is dedicated to supporting the whole child through innovative after-school programs. We believe every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and ready to learn. Our Behavioral Intervention Specialists help make this possible by equipping students with coping strategies and providing after-school teams with the tools to support children’s social-emotional and developmental needs. Kids in the Game operates sport and enrichment-based programs across New York City, serving thousands of children annually with the goal of providing positive experiences and opportunities through sports and creative play. We inspire kids to embrace new experiences, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and build integrity. Our work focuses on enhancing emotional intelligence, creating a positive sense of self, developing NYC into the nation’s top talent hub, integrating communities, and narrowing income inequality gaps. Kids in the Game is a Certified B Corporation committed to doing business for good and making a positive impact on youth.

Requirements

Currently pursuing or have recently completed a Master’s in Social Work, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology.
Possess 2+ years of experience working in a behavioral/intervention specialist setting with children and adults.
Advanced knowledge of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), effective communication, and conflict resolution.
Able to establish and maintain strong working relationships with fellow employees, participants, parents, and caregivers.
Communicate in a timely and professional fashion with parents, caregivers, kids, and staff across organization-wide communication channels (Slack, Email, Text, Google Calendar, etc.) and be able to interpret and understand both written and oral instructions.
Be available 3 to 5 days per week, Monday – Friday, during after school hours (2:30 – 6:00 PM).
Ability to use public transportation to travel between sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx throughout the week.
Up-to-date physical and tuberculosis test documentation will be required before starting.
Must pass Federal and NY State background checks and be willing to complete Department of Education fingerprinting prior to starting.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time, including during site observations, playground supervision, gym activities, or park-based programming.
Ability to travel between program sites across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx using public transportation.
Ability to walk to and from nearby program locations or parks, sometimes several blocks, while supporting staff and children.
Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level and provide support as needed.
Ability to climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, or light rain, depending on program needs.
Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness to observe and support children effectively and ensure safety in active environments.

Nice To Haves

CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide on-site direct support for behavioral issues, including 1:1 student meetings and group observations.
Provide individual and group-based support to address behavioral issues, help students build coping strategies, and understand their developmental needs.
Work with students on an individual basis as needed to reinforce appropriate choices and create behavioral plans.
Design and implement behavior support tools for students; model and share them with after school teams.
Observe and interact with students throughout the week to make sure their needs are being met and they feel comfortable challenging themselves.
Provide scenario-based training to teams to strengthen staff knowledge of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS), mental health practices, and stress management strategies.
Support Site Directors by answering their questions or concerns regarding children’s behavioral needs or incidents.
Create new strategies and ideas that equip after school teams to support children’s behavioral and developmental needs.
Commit to partaking in all required trainings throughout the school year (virtual and in person).
Work alongside Site Directors and the Program Management team to identify appropriate ways to address behavioral or mental health concerns that arise among students.
Assist Site Directors in preparing parent communications and leading meetings regarding students’ behavioral and social-emotional needs.
Serve as a key resource for leadership teams in problem-solving student issues and parental concerns.
Maintain ongoing communication with sites via calls, emails, and internal messages.
Maintain and file all documentation and incident reports regarding behavioral concerns and plans for students.
Respond appropriately to injuries, behavioral challenges, or conflicts, following organizational policies.
Follow all program policies and serve as a positive role model for youth.
Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to actively engage with youth and staff.
Uphold the organization’s mission and values both in and out of the program.
Demonstrate integrity, reliability, and a strong work ethic.