Behavior Specialist - YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Overview

The Behavior Specialist is responsible for providing support interventions to program participants and their families, with the goal of positive behavioral change in youth.  This position provides modeling, consultation and coaching for associates, children and families in the area of social emotional learning.  Provides technical assistance to associates as they develop knowledge and skills to implement social emotional learning and philosophy.  This is a grant funded position.

Supports Head Start programs with children ages three years through pre-kindergarten in Clay and Platte counties.

Hiring Range: $18.25-19.75

YMCA Head Start Benefits

• Professional development training
• FREE Y family membership
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Medical/Vision/Dental
• Y Retirement Fund

OUR CULTURE:  The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. It’s who we are, who we aspire to be and how we show up every day. We are cause-driven. We don’t just show up, we show up with purpose. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Responsibilities

• Implement and support teacher implementation of behavior plans for individual children.• Integrate support and education for social emotional learning for all program participants and associates.• Communicate with families about behavior plans to provide updates, feedback and at home strategies and resources in collaboration with Mental Health Coordinator. • Visit programs to observe activities and interactions with participants. Discuss observations and recommendations with associates to provide on-site coaching and development on the strategies.• Provide guidance and support for child referrals to Mental Health Coordinator.• Promote the emotional development of children, program participants, associates and caregivers by providing coaching and information on social emotional health.• Maintain confidentiality of participant records and matters relating to the families.• Develop collaborative relationships with community behavioral health/mental health agencies.• Participate in individualized family conferences, as needed.• Assure compliance with state and local regulations.• Ensure that program standards are met and safety procedures are followed.• Work within and attempt to exceed budgetary/projected guidelines.• Provide reports as assigned by supervisor. Includes documentation and data collection related to principal activities and funding accountability.• All youth development associates are mandated by the state of Kansas and Missouri to report suspected child abuse and neglect and must notify appropriate associates of any suspected abuse, unsafe conditions, needed repairs, complaints, accidents or injuries immediately.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in family and child development, counseling, social work or other related human service field.• Master’s degree strongly preferred.• Three years’ experience working with youth with special needs, early childhood preferred. • A strong knowledge of developmental stages and appropriateness.• Prefer two years’ experience as an educational trainer or instructional coach.• Prefer two years’ case management experience. • Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and perceptions.• Oral and written communication skills to develop rapport with children, families and associates.• Able to make independent and sound decisions in a fast paced environment.• Able to exercise high levels of discretion and confidentiality.• Must have reliable transportation. Travel around the Greater Kansas City area to support programs is required.