Social-Emotional Specialist

Job Summary:

The Social-Emotional Specialist works with children in Head Start, GSRP, and/or Early Head Start throughout Genesee County who may present with challenging behaviors, social-emotional, or mental health concerns. The Social-Emotional Specialist supports the students as well as staff and families in our programs across schools, daycares, private and public agencies that house our programs and are responsible for students care ages 0 to 5.

Essential Duties (May include, but not limited to):

1. Provide observation and hands on support in classrooms to students within a multitiered system of support (MTSS).
2. Model de-escalation techniques and behavior management for teaching staff.
3. Provide resources to families and home-based staff.
4. Share knowledge of child development, evidence, and research-based best practices.
5. Provides training, coaching, and consultation to teachers, directors, and caregivers regarding children with behavioral and/or adjustment concerns.
6. Monitors data collection for students on caseload.
7. Maintains appropriate confidential records on each student in Child Plus.
8. Follows guidance from Head Start performance standards and GSRP requirements.
9. Leads small group social-emotional lessons.
10. Serves as liaison between the family, pre-school, daycare, and outside social agencies when appropriate.
11. Provides timely consultation and support to parents/guardians regarding social-emotional concerns, needs, and resources.
12. Maintains current knowledge of community resources and makes appropriate referrals for children in need of mental health and/or community programs that support social-emotional needs and/or general family needs.
13. Collaborates with ECSs, Site Coordinators, Family Engagement Advocates, Health staff, disability staff, and members of management as needed.
14. Makes home visits for family consultation and evaluation when necessary.
15. Maintains a holistic, “whole child”, view of the child and family needs.
16. Consistently models Win-Win leadership.

Other Duties:

1. May travel to and from district sites, constituent school districts, day-care/preschool programs, and student homes as assigned.
2. Represents the district and the early childhood programs of the Center for Countywide Programs on various community services agencies and professional organizations as appropriate to the assigned area.
3. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in social work, master’s degree preferred. Eligible for full/limited licensure through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Experience:

Successful experience working in an education setting preferred. Experience with MTSS, PBIS and/or Promoting Positive School Climate preferred. Experience in assessment of and knowledge of early childhood development, social-emotional development and age-appropriate interventions based on current research required.

Skills/Other:

Experienced in conducting individual and group observations. Demonstrated initiative and understanding in working with children birth to age five, parents/guardians, teachers, and staff. Knowledge and understanding of poverty and trauma and appropriate practices and interventions to work with children and families in crisis. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to solve problems logically and effectively, to work independently, to manage multiple tasks with results, and demonstrate effective time management skills. Ability to utilize district technology and work to maintain proficiency, as required skill sets change with technology and/or the needs of the district. Punctuality and good attendance are requirements for the position. Ability to work a flexible workday, work week, and work year. Ability to work effectively as a team member. Demonstrated mental/physical ability and stamina for meeting the essential duties of the position. Discretion with confidential information. Ability to maintain a calm, poised, and professional image at all times. Ability to exercise good judgment and make decisions in accordance with board policies and administrative guidelines.

Special Job Considerations:

Certification:

Type of Certification: Eligible for full/limited Michigan Social Work license

Bargaining Unit:

Bargaining Unit:

Salary Schedule:

Salary Schedule: Contracted, Limited duration grant funded position; up to 37.5 hours per week; $23.81 per hour

Immediate Supervisor:

Immediate Supervisor: Early Childhood Social and Emotional Health Manager

Supervision:

Supervision: