Behavioral Support Specialist

Buffalo. Community Action Organization of Western New York. $21.50 - $22.59/hour.

Summary:

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.

• Assists 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 meetings.
• Meets with Health, Disabilities/Mental Health, Education, Family and Community Partner Service Coordinators and Nutrition Supervisors as needed.
• Attends regularly scheduled agency trainings.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 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.

Bachelor's degree in Mental Health Counseling, Social Work, Education/Special Education, Psychology, with at least one year work experience, or related Human Services Associates degree with at least three years work experience. Experience with low‑income children and families, 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.

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.

The Community Action Organization of Western New York, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.