Behavioral Specialist

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey is seeking a nurturing, compassionate and collaborative Behavioral Specialist/ Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Candidate to support the Katz JCC Early Childhood Center, an inclusive private Jewish childcare and preschool program, serving young children from infancy to 5 years and the Kellman Brown Academy (KBA) Hebrew Day School, which is a private school setting educating children from pre-school through 8th grade.

This role is designed to foster an inclusive and supportive setting where children can thrive socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and developmentally. The Behavioral Specialist/BCBA Candidate will serve as an active support throughout the Early Childhood Center/KBA, collaborating closely with teachers, administrators, and families to provide classroom consultation, professional development, and proactive intervention strategies that promote independence, self-regulation, positive peer interactions, and school readiness skills.

The Behavioral Specialist/BCBA Candidate, under the supervision of the Director of Community Behavioral Health, will conduct Functional Behavior Assessments and develop individualized behavioral and social-emotional support plans on an as needed basis.

The ideal candidate establishes strong rapport with staff and young children through consistent, relationship-based interactions and works collaboratively with team members and families to develop practical recommendations. This role emphasizes proactive teacher coaching and consultation, individualized and small-group social skills instruction, and support for children with neurodivergence, developmental differences, and social-emotional or behavioral needs while helping to cultivate a positive and inclusive school culture grounded in belonging and child success.

Responsibilities:

• Provide proactive behavioral, social-emotional, developmental, and executive functioning support for children in a childcare and preschool setting.
• Build positive relationships with children, teachers, administrators, and families to support student success and foster a warm, inclusive early childhood environment.
• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and develop individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) when appropriate.
• Design and implement individualized and classroom-based strategies to support self-regulation, coping skills, communication, independence, transitions, and positive peer interactions.
• Facilitate individual and small-group social skills instruction focused on communication, play skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and peer engagement.
• Support children with neurodivergence, developmental differences, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, and related behavioral or learning needs through individualized planning and skill-building interventions.
• Develop practical classroom strategies, accommodations, routines, and behavior supports that promote engagement and developmental success.
• Provide consultation, coaching, and support to faculty regarding behavior management, classroom climate, developmentally appropriate practices, and inclusive early childhood education.
• Design, prepare, and implement behavior analytic instructional materials, individualized supports, and visual supports to enhance communication, routines, learning, and behavioral success where appropriate.
• Participate in student support meetings and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure effective intervention planning and continuity of care.
• Monitor child progress through data collection, observation, and collaboration, adjusting supports and interventions as needed.
• Provide support during challenging situations using calm, respectful, developmentally appropriate, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Develop and facilitate staff trainings and parent workshops related to behavior support, executive functioning, social-emotional development, and inclusive early childhood practices.
• Maintain ethical and professional standards in accordance with BACB guidelines and applicable state and school regulations.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology, applied behavior analysis. Social work, educator or related field with at least one year of field work experience.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices in ABA and person-centered planning.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accurate documentation.

Benefits include: Generous PTO; Medical, dental, and vision care included; 403b plan eligible; Group term life insurance; Voluntary disability insurance plan; FSA & HSA options available; Gym membership included and other employee discounts are available.

EEO Statement:

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, and our family of agencies, is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon a person's actual or perceived gender, race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital/civil union status, domestic partnership status, familial status, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, veteran or military status, disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions, or other legally protected characteristics.

The Federation participates in the E-Verify program.

The Federation is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us via the link on this posting. EOE