Behavioral Consultant (Hays Camp)

Description

This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Behavioral Consultant promotes inclusion and strengthens staff capacity by providing consultation, coaching, and practical strategies to support children with behavioral needs and developmental differences in YMCA day camp and child care programs. This role partners with program leaders, frontline staff, and families to develop individualized supports, improve participation and peer interactions, and respond effectively to dysregulation through proactive planning and in-the-moment de-escalation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Model and reinforce the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility in all interactions with children, families, staff, and volunteers.
• Provide consultation and on-site support to day camp and child care teams to strengthen inclusive practices and address behavioral challenges in a developmentally appropriate way.
• Observe children in program settings to identify strengths, triggers, and support needs; recommend practical strategies that fit the program environment and staffing model.
• Develop, implement, and adjust individualized behavior support plans and accommodations for children requiring additional assistance, in partnership with program leadership and families.
• Provide direct intervention as needed, including de-escalation, emotional regulation supports, and guidance to staff during high-impact situations to maintain safety and dignity for all participants.
• Coach and train staff in positive behavior management, trauma-informed approaches, and inclusion strategies; provide feedback, modeling, and follow-up to support consistent implementation.
• Facilitate communication with parents/guardians to align strategies across home and program settings; support collaborative problem-solving and clear expectations.
• Maintain timely documentation of behavioral incidents, supports provided, and progress notes, consistent with YMCA expectations and applicable state/local requirements.
• Attend staff meetings, case check-ins, and required trainings; stay current on best practices related to child development, inclusion, and behavioral supports.
• Other duties as assigned in support of program safety, inclusion, and quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, social work, special education, psychology, or a related field strongly preferred (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).
• 2-4 years of experience providing behavioral support in a school, camp, child care, or clinical setting, including staff coaching and/or consultation.
• Experience supporting children on the autism spectrum and/or with other developmental disabilities preferred.
• Working knowledge of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles, and/or trauma-informed care strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to develop practical support plans and accommodations that improve participation and safety in group settings.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and documentation skills; ability to partner effectively with families and multidisciplinary staff teams.
• CT Child Care CPR/First Aid certification required at hire (or within a defined onboarding period, consistent with association practice).
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) or similar de-escalation training preferred.
• Must complete OEC background check and fingerprinting within thirty (30) days of employment.