Under the direction of the Disabilities/Mental Health Professional (DMH), the Behavior Support Specialist works as a team member with Early Childhood teachers and other appropriate personnel to develop positive student behavior across the Head Start program. The Behavior Support Specialist implements strategies that focus on decreasing maladaptive behaviors and increasing social, communication and adaptive skills. The Behavior Support Specialist uses restorative practices to support children (6 weeks to 5 years) in a variety of ways. He or she may process internal referrals and behavioral concerns under the guidance of the DMH.
Job Responsibilities
Process internals referrals (discretion of DMH Professional), and make parent contact, when necessary, via phone, email, or REMIND messenger
Proactively engage children via 1:1 work, small groups, and check-ins
Facilitate and document restorative conferences between staff and children
Support school security through use of security monitoring systems, de-escalation techniques, and Physical/Psychological Management Training
Support the implementation of individualized Behavioral Intervention Plans as well as safety plans to ensure that teachers can demonstrate de-escalating strategies in the classroom without the DMH Professional or Behavior Support Specialist present.
Attends PPT and family meetings with teachers when necessary.
Report/Track data of interactions/referrals/trends
Other duties as assigned by the Sr. Disabilities and Mental Health Manager or Head Start Director
Position: Full-time, Non-exempt
Reports to: Disabilities/Mental Health Professional
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:
Knowledge of, and ability to implement, de-escalation techniques
Knowledge of, and ability to implement, behavior management techniques
Knowledge of intensive behavior intervention techniques
Knowledge of safe practices in an ECE environment
Ability to monitor and observe child behavior according to approved policies and procedure
