Behavioral Intervention Specialist (26-27 School Year)

Kids in the Game • New York, NY

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Kids in the Game is dedicated to supporting the whole child through innovative after-school programs. We are hiring a part-time Behavioral Intervention Specialist to provide social-emotional and behavioral support for children ages 4-13 in our after-school programs. The ideal candidate has an understanding of diverse youth development programs, prior experience providing behavioral and mental health services in an educational or recreation-based setting, and a passion for our mission and values. As a valued member of Kids in the Game, you will help us follow and model our 5 organizational core values: Positivity, Empathy, Commitment, Ambition, and Inclusivity.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or have recently completed a Master’s in Social Work, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rates in the range of $24–28 / hour based on experience and educational status.
• Engaging and spirited environment that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, open communication, and collaboration.
• Inclusive environment where team members feel respected by and connected to one another.
• Value the unique experiences, perspectives, and passions of our employees.

What This Job Offers

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