Behavior Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Supervisor: Health & Education and Disability Supervisors 

Department: Head Start & Early Head Start Program 

Classification: Full Time 

Monday-Friday 8 am – 4 pm,  8:30 am – 4:30 pm, or  9 am – 5 pm 

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in behavior science/studies, social work, special education, or Bachelor’s degree in a related field with coursework in social work and behavioral health.  
• Minimum of two years of direct experience in a behavioral support setting providing prevention and intervention services to children (0-5 years old). 

Job Description:

• The behavior support specialist (BSS) is responsible for providing early childhood mental health (MH) support to Head Start staff, children, and families.
• The behavior support specialist will provide a broad range of services, including early childhood MH observations and support in classrooms; training and modeling for staff; screening, assessment, and referral services; and providing family training.
• The position requires you to collect data, maintain records, and support compliance in all facets of Head Start Program Performance Standards and state regulations.  

Duties and Tasks :

General Consultation and Behavior Support: 

• Collaborate with staff to explore child development information related to social and emotional development, mental health, and wellness. 
• Implement positive strategies to support children’s well-being and prevent and address challenging behavior 
• Provide guidance to staff on selecting, implementing, and interpreting social and emotional screening and assessment tools and findings. 
• Answer questions about developmentally appropriate activities for children and effective ways to work with and support young children, including children with disabilities. 

Programmatic Consultation:  

• Participate in monthly reflective supervision and consultation meetings with the mental health consultant. 
• Participate in monthly reflective supervision with Health and Education Supervisors. 
• Participate in the development and implementation of the mental health program and policy. 

Staff & Family Training:  

• In partnership with the mental health consultant, support, coordinate, and provide staff trainings related to social and emotional and wellness at least three times per year 
• Coordinate and facilitate training for families during parent meetings. 

Individualized Child Observations:  

• Conduct observations and assessments of individual children as assigned or referred for observation. 
• Participate in team meetings with families to consult on child and family needs and create or follow up on plans to support these needs in conjunction with center staff.  
• Individual Child Screening, Assessment, and Referral  
• Review standardized developmental, behavioral, and social and emotional screens and assessments for individual children as assigned or referred for observation. 
• Provide child and family referrals and follow-up to community services.  

Knowledge and Skills :

• Demonstrate understanding of infant and early childhood mental and behavioral health (0-5 years old). 
• Demonstrate understanding of differences in mental and behavioral health services and concepts across cultures. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of child mental and behavioral health services system. 
• Experience formulating and writing functional assessments and behavior support plans. 
• Experience with evidence-based practices and curricula to promote early childhood mental and behavioral health desirable (e.g., Active Parenting). 
• Knowledge of Head Start programs is desirable. 
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with staff and families. 
• Partner with mental health providers as a member of a team. 
• Lead and facilitate provider training and family education groups. 
• Conduct standardized screens and assessments. 
• Use results of screenings and assessments to guide work with families, set goals, and develop individualized plans. 
• Refer staff and families to appropriate community services. 
• Communicate effectively with groups both verbally and in writing including case notes and collaborations. 
• Organize tasks and manage time effectively. 

Other Requirements :

• Must adhere to the Standards of Conduct.  
• Maintain the confidentiality of children and families as set forth in SHORE UP! Inc.’s Head Start policies. 
• Ability to manage physically active children ages 0 to 5. 
• Adhere to federal, state, and local child abuse and neglect reporting requirements. 
• Attend trainings as assigned. 
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds. 
• Must have valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, or must have acceptable alternative transportation. 
• Maintain first aid and CPR certification. 
• Maintain compliance with background checks. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Benefits:  

• Paid Leave (personal, vacation, sick, funeral, 13 paid holidays). 
• Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription plan). 
• Short-term Disability. 
• Life & Supplemental Insurance. 
• Liability Insurance. 
• Workman’s Compensation.                      
• Maryland State Retirement and Pension System. 
• 403(b) Option. 
• Employee Assistance Program. 
• Direct Deposit. 
• Payroll Deduction.

To apply please submit your resume and application to: View email address on ziprecruiter.com

Employment application: site/2024/06/12162639/Employment -Application.pdf