Social & Emotional Specialist

PathStone Corporation•Lehighton, PA

12d•$0 - $22

About The Position

Provide social and emotional wellness strategies to staff, enrolled children, and their families in the Child and Family Development Services program. Oversee the development, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of a research-based, coordinated coaching strategy to support services for children with challenging behaviors. Ensure coaching plans and operational procedures align with Head Start Program Performance Standards and state and local licensing regulations. Maintain current knowledge of early childhood, trauma-informed care, training and development, and Head Start Program Performance Standards. Provide training and technical assistance to center-level staff. A current physical exam, Mantoux tuberculosis screening, professional references, and clearances are required. The position works with culturally diverse staff and clients, families, enrolled children, center staff, community providers, and multidisciplinary teams. It involves flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, travel including some overnight travel, outdoor work, moderate exposure to disease agents, and use of cleaning products such as bleach and disinfectants. The position frequently requires bending and lifting up to 60 pounds. An automobile, driver’s license, and insurance are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, special education, early childhood education, educational psychology, or a closely related field.
One year of experience working with children and families.
Strong written, verbal, and technology competencies.
Ability to interact with internal staff, enrolled children, families, and community providers.
Administrative management and/or specialized skills and knowledge.
Ability to work with a culturally diverse staff and client base.
Current physical exam, Mantoux tuberculosis screening, professional references, and clearances.
Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
Ability to travel, including some overnight travel.
Ability to work with cleaning products such as bleach and disinfectants.
Ability to work outdoors and tolerate moderate exposure to disease agents.
Ability to frequently bend and lift up to 60 pounds.
Automobile, driver’s license, and insurance.

Responsibilities

Implement PathStone operational policies and procedures, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and state and local licensing regulations; delegate, observe, monitor, evaluate, and provide compliance feedback to center staff and the Support Team.
Collaborate with professional and community organizations, mental health consultants, and disability professionals to improve social-emotional and disability-related opportunities for staff, children, and families.
Observe and screen children and families, identify support needs, and develop mental health and disability support strategies, including individualized activities for educational support plans, classroom adjustment difficulties, and behavioral concerns.
Complete mental health assessments and classroom observations when challenging behaviors arise; coordinate with the Early Childhood Education & Disability Services Coordinator and Professional Development Coach on CLASS and CSEFEL observations, results, and improvement plans.
Provide in-class support to address behavioral and adjustment concerns with identified children.
Provide stress-reduction strategies to staff and parents.
Conduct parent workshops on disabilities, mental health, and social-emotional development in young children.
Facilitate referrals to community mental health providers and disability professionals, and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to provide social work consultation.
Visit classrooms to evaluate implementation of IEPs and IFSPs.
Work with the Health and Family Engagement Coordinator/Advocate on family goals related to a child’s diagnosed disability or a family crisis.
Work with the Health and Family Engagement Coordinator/Advocate and Early Childhood Education & Disability Services Coordinator to design, conduct, or arrange mental health and disability training for families.
Work with a team to implement a coordinated approach throughout the program environment and transition activities for children with special needs leaving the program.
Attend required meetings, pre-service and in-service sessions, professional development activities, and other required training.
Provide technical support and guidance, and motivate staff in their professional development through coaching and mentoring.
Adhere to the established Work Plan and update it as necessary or as directed by the supervisor.
Adhere to PathStone’s School Readiness Plan and Objectives and Program Goals and Objectives.
Adhere to Head Start Standards of Conduct and Safety Practices.
Assist with physical maintenance and care of the center facility, including sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, and garbage disposal.
Perform other job-related duties as required or assigned.