$1500 Bonus!

Work as part of the classroom, modeling the strategies in real time for teachers!

• Walker is looking for someone who has experience with implementing positive support plans and direct experience in working with young children in the classroom.

Early Childhood Mental Behavior Support Specialist

Job Title: Early Childhood Mental Health Behavior Support Specialist

Reports To: Program Director

Job Location: Roxbury, MA

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week). May require occasional evening or weekend hours.

Position Summary:

The primary focus of the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program is to create nurturing environments that advance social-emotional and behavioral health outcomes among children, families, and early childhood professionals. The ECMHC program broadly seeks to increase child and caregiver resilience, while reducing challenging behaviors (including those that lead to suspensions and expulsions) by utilizing evidence-based best practices; providing early identification of behavioral concerns; and making referrals to appropriate community services.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Behavior Support Specialist to join our Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in psychology, early childhood education, or a related field, along with relevant experience working with young children and families. The Behavior Support Specialist will work collaboratively with educators, caregivers, and mental health professionals to provide comprehensive support to children exhibiting challenging behaviors in early childhood settings.

Essential Job Functions:

● Work closely with program clinicians/consultants to coordinate and deliver regular onsite services to ECE programs, providing guidance to professionals and caregivers to effectively understand and support children’s positive behavior and development.

● Promote high quality interactions and relationships between children and their peers, teaching teams, and administrators.

● Build collaborative relationships with families, centers, and other early childhood serving systems within the community.

● Conduct assessments to identify underlying causes of challenging behaviors in young children.● Develop individualized behavior support plans in collaboration with educators and families to address identified needs.● Provide ongoing coaching and training to educators and caregivers on behavior management strategies and techniques.● Monitor progress and effectiveness of behavior support plans through data collection and analysis.● Collaborate with mental health professionals and other stakeholders to ensure coordinated care and support for children and families.● Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases and develop holistic intervention plans.● Advocate for the social-emotional well-being of young children and promote positive behavior support practices within early childhood settings.

● Create a shared understanding of the effects of trauma and adversity, including oppression, prejudice, discrimination, racism, and gender inequity on the developing brain and the impacts of these on behaviors observed in childcare settings.

● Support the mental health and well-being of adults who care for children.

● Connect and refer children, families, and providers to programs, resources, and supports that will foster their development while addressing barriers to access.

● Maintain accurate and confidential records of services provided and progress made by families.

● Participate as an active member of a fast-paced team and evolving organization

● Attend ECMHC trainings, meetings, and staff meetings.

● Participate in reflective supervision.

● Complete Infant and/or Preschool Mental Health Endorsement through MassAIMH.

● Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in the ECMH and behavior support fields.

● Adhere to the Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation grant requirements, as outlined by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) FY2024 ECMHC RFR.

● All other duties as assigned.

Education and Work Experience Qualifications:

● Bachelor's degree in psychology, early childhood education, social work, or a related field.● Previous experience working with young children and families, preferably in an early childhood mental health or behavioral support capacity.● Knowledge of child development, social-emotional learning, and evidence-based behavior management strategies.

● Familiarity and experience with early childhood social/emotional screening and assessment tools, prevention and intervention techniques, and local resources.

● Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.● Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.● Experience conducting assessments and developing behavior support plans.● Understanding of trauma-informed care principles and culturally responsive practices.● Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in working with children and families.

● Proficient in use of Google Workspace, Zoom, Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and other computer functions.

● Proven ability to manage time, complete assignments, and meet deadlines.

● Ability to adapt and be flexible in a constantly changing environment that adjusts to meet organizational and community needs.

● Ability to drive throughout the region when needed in a reliable personal vehicle (mileage reimbursement available).

● Valid MA Driver’s License and Vehicle Insurance.

:

● Experience working with young children with emotional/behavioral challenges and their families.

● Have received the following trainings/certifications:

○ Infant Mental Health Endorsement through MassAIMH

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Healthcare setting:

• Clinic

Medical specialties:

• Psychiatry

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Boston, MA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person