Community Action Organization of WNYBehavior Support Specialist Job DescriptionPERSONNEL MASTER COPYJob Title: Behavior Support SpecialistDivision: Head StartDepartment: Early ChildhoodLocation: Program Administrative OfficeReports To: Behavior Health SpecialistPrepared By: Chelsea F. White, Executive Vice President Chief of EducationsPrepared Date: September 2021SUMMARY Assists with behavioral support to classroom environments and families managing children with challenging behaviors within the Erie County Head Start Program. Works in conjunction with Disabilities/Mental Health Team. Related work as assigned.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESAssists classrooms with behavioral and crisis interventions.Assists to implement, and model support plans needed to create safe environments for children with challenging behaviors.Provide ongoing observation and technical assistance directly to classroom environments in conjunction with Education Specialists and Disabilities/Mental Health Coordinators.Document all aspects of service delivery to include charting, report writing, observations and documenting outcomes and progress of children/classrooms.Supports social skill building, making appropriate decisions, emotional regulation, etc. through small group intervention.Model specific classroom strategies for education staff when implementing support plans.Assists with support, in conjunction with the Disabilities/Mental Health Coordinators for families of children working with support plans.Participate with the program Multidisciplinary Team Process and consultant meetings.Assists with the coordination and implementation of necessary training for staff and families Attends all Service Area/Team meetingsMeets with Health, Disabilities/Mental Health, Education, Family and Community Partner Service Coordinators and Nutrition Supervisors as needed.Attends regularly scheduled agency trainings.QUALIFICATIONS- To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Access to transportation required to visit sites throughout Erie County.39,000.00 - 42,000.00 USD AnnualEDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCEBachelor’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Education/Special Education, Psychology, with at least one year work experience. At least one year experience with low2income children and families. Experience with support planning techniques and Trauma Informed Care is desired. ORRelated Human Services Associates degree with at least three years’ work experience. At least two years’ experience with low income children and families. Experience with support planning techniques and Trauma Informed Care is desired.Knowledge of Preschool philosophies, Functional Behavior Assessment, Individualized Support Plans; knowledge of Trauma Sensitive approaches, research, and assessment. Ability to relate to children and staff. Ability to plan and execute training of staff creatively. Sensitive to and embracing of diverse backgrounds and English Language Learners. Team player, dependable, self- motivated, Experience and/or knowledge of behavior guidance techniques and support planning.PHYSICAL DEMANDS- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and to hear, the employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Noise level in the work place is moderate.APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS - Completion of the CAO of Western New York, Inc., application form including completion of the NYS SCR Clearance form, criminal record certification and release(s) for reference checks.All persons hired for positions in CAO Head Start/Early Head Start programs must pass a physical examination by a CAO physician (paid for by CAO).Applicants must supply three (3) letters of reference, a copy of Diploma/Certification, and a resume.All persons hired by CAO Head Start/Early Head Start programs must receive acceptable SCR clearance and be free of criminal convictions of crimes against children (misdemeanor and felony). Fingerprinting required.The Community Action Organization of Western New York, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
