Job Description

The Behavioral Specialist will have the responsibility of assisting teachers and children in the classroom and conducting observations of classrooms.  This employee will assist in the implementation of the comprehensive mental health services for all the Head Start program children and families. This employee will be responsible for duties as identified for quality service of the program. Noise level could be moderate to loud in working center.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

•           Reports possible cases of child abuse, neglect, or endangerment to the proper authorities.

•           Assist teaching staff in recommendations in utilizing the designated curriculum in the classroom and Conscious Discipline.

•           Provides support to teaching staff to design behavioral interventions for students.

•           Implements behavior support plans, follow-up on implementation and provides adjustments as needed.

•           Measures goals and objectives of behavior support plans to ensure they are being met.

•           Coordinates between teachers to implement behavioral interventions.

•           Analyzes the behavioral interventions to determine their success.

•           Assists teachers in identifying in appropriate behaviors and develop better behavior alternatives.

•           Assists teachers in facilitating behavioral interventions.

•           Documenting the behavior alternatives.

•           Monitors and adjusts behavior alternatives.

•           Assist Education Manager in implementing and facilitating the delivery of needed mental health services for Head Start children.

•           Interpret mental health screening and assessments for very young children

•           Facilitate behavior alternative using evidence base practices.

•           Have knowledge of and sensitivity to the first language of children.

•           Use methods that reflect the culture-specific values and needs of children.

•           Strong communication skills with the ability to listen and engage in shared decision- making

•           Flexibility to adjust one’s schedule and expectations to the needs of the children.

•           Open-mindedness—accepting where children are in the process.

•           Assist with developing child mental health plan on an annual basis.

•           Attend appropriate Head Start trainings, as scheduled, in order to stay abreast in early childhood education, mental health, and other related areas

•           Advocate for other services through other community resources as needed

•           Assist in monitoring and documenting the child’s behaviors

•           Work with teaching staff to provide support, suggestions, and collaboration as needed or as requested

•           Work with content area and staff members in the implementation of the mental health goals/objectives on an ongoing and continuous basis.

•           Help in the identification and utilization of community resources.

•           Help promote mental health wellness

•           Consult regularly with staff on the progress of children with behavior concerns in the program

•           Inform the Education Manager and appropriate senior staff of training, staff development and/or management strategies that need to be implemented to increase the Mental Health component within the Head Start system as needed and/or requested

•           Know and understand all Head Start Performance Standards and policies in order to interpret the rules educate staff and families and implement Mental Health programs via Pre-Service Training and In-Service Training on an on-going basis.

•           Ensure Texas Department of Family and Protective Services regulations are followed

•           Ensure confidentiality to include behavior concerns, ChildPlus data, and files are maintained in locked cabinets as per established procedures

•           Responsible for reporting to their immediate supervisor, if they witness or see anything present or anyone not following the SPCAA procedures or processes that place a person or program records at risk

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES OR JOB REQUIREMENTS

•           Encourage staff to communicate on Mental Health issues via trainings, meetings, consultations and children and classroom observations

•           Review recommended services are being provided and that plans are developed, and follow-up services provided

•           Keep work area, files, etc. clean and well organized

•           Be a cooperative and enthusiastic team player.

•           The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job. Employees may perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

•           Bachelor’s degree in counseling, health, psychology, human services, special education, or related area

•           Three years’ experience in human services, counseling the health field, childcare, special education or related area.

•           Training and/or experiences in securing services for children with mental health issues

•           Must embrace the principle of the parent as the primary educator and support attachment of parent and child

•           Ability to develop and implement training programs in mental health

•           Demonstrated ability of personal computer operations within a Windows software environment required

•           Must show initiative and ability to assume a leadership role

•           Be available for some nights and weekend work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

•           Ability to maintain physical condition and stamina appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include sitting or standing for extended periods of time, drive or ride in sedan, bus or van, and interacting with children at the child’s eye level (which includes floor activities) or other duties assigned.

•           The usual requirements in a classroom environment may require lifting boxes of supplies, equipment and occasional adjustments of office furniture

•           Occasional bending or squatting required, pushing, pulling, lifting and/or moving up to 25 pounds

•           May require long periods of standing or walking

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