Behavioral Support Specialist

All Kids Academy Head Start is seeking a Behavioral Support Specialist to join our team in the mission to close the achievement gap by providing quality school readiness programs and comprehensive services to children, families, and communities in East County.

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Disabilities/Mental Health Services Coordinator, the Support Specialist plays a key role in supporting the development, support, and well-being of children enrolled in the Head Start, Early Head Start, and California State Preschool programs. This position works collaboratively with teaching staff, the Early Childhood Behavior Specialist, and the Education Department to ensure that comprehensive practices are implemented consistently, behavior support plans are followed, and accommodations outlined in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) are integrated into daily routines. The Support Specialist promotes a supportive, and an all-encompassing learning environment for all children.

Hours per week: 20 hours per week 

Weeks Per year: 45 weeks per year

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS:

• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 6% employer match
• Annual 5% pay rate increases, up to the maximum step
• 16 paid holidays
• Two paid personal days
• Paid sick leave
• $1500 Tuition Reimbursement each year
• $1000 Service Awards every 5 years 
• Paid professional development days

MINIMUM EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: (Any combination equivalent to)

1. At least 12 Units of CD/ECE and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, or a related field (Required-Upload Your Transcripts For Review*).
2. Coursework in special education.
3. Intern in special education credential program preferred.
4. Experience working with children with special needs in early childhood settings preferred.
5. Bilingual (Spanish/Arabic/Chaldean) preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

1. All-encompassing practices, trauma-informed care, and behavior management strategies;
2. IEP/IFSP processes and early intervention systems;
3. Developmental, social-emotional, and behavioral needs of young children;
4. Social services procedures, policies, and resources;
5. MS Word, Power Point, Intermediate Excel and Outlook; 
6. Community resources and how to access services;
7. Standard record keeping including progress notes and maintenance of required documentation; 
8. Human behavior and motivation.

Ability to:

1. Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams;
2. Communicate with staff, families, and external partners in a clear, culturally responsive manner;
3. Provide coaching, consultation, and professional development to staff;
4. Meet the needs of all children specifically those with, challenging behaviors, at risk, gifted and culturally diverse populations;
5. Utilize strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills;
6. Utilize good organizational skills, and prioritize and complete tasks within specified time frames;
7. Obtain CPR/First Aid Certification.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Technology Management: Ability to use computer programs such as spreadsheets, word processing and scheduling software.
• Fostering Teamwork: As a team leader, the ability to demonstrate skill and success in supporting groups to work together to achieve goals; as a team member the ability and desire to work cooperatively with others on a team.

• Positive, Goal-Oriented Relationships: Engages in mutually respectful goal-orientated partnerships with families to promote parent-child relationships and family well-being.
• Self-Aware and Culturally Responsive Relationships: Respects and responds appropriately to the culture, language, values, and family structures of each family served.
• Family Well-Being and Families as Learners: Supports families’ safety, health, financial stability, life goals, and aspirations.
• Parent-Child Relationships and Families as Lifelong Educators: Enhances parent-child relationship and supports parents’ role as the first and lifelong educators of their children.
• Family Connections to Peers and Community: Facilitates networks and group activities that support families’ strengths, interests, and needs.
• Family Access to Community Resources: Supports families in using community resources that enhance family well-being and children’s learning and development.
• Coordinated, Integrated and Comprehensive Services: Acts as a member of a comprehensive services team so that family service activities are coordinated and integrated throughout the program.
• Data Driven Services and Continuous Improvement: Collects and analyses information to find new solutions to challenges as part of ongoing monitoring in order to continuously improve services.
• Foundations for Professional Growth: Participates actively in opportunities for continuous professional development.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Must be able to drive to sites, other agencies, and trainings;
2. Must have the ability to sit for extended periods;
3. Must be able to work at a computer for extended periods;
4. Occasionally must be able to stand and file miscellaneous documents in filing cabinet; and
5. Occasional bending, stooping and lifting up to 25 pounds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Prior to employment, in compliance with Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 as amended, employment candidate will be required to provide either proof of U.S. citizenship or other documents that establish the candidate’s eligibility to be employed in the U.S. Head Start regulations require that no person shall work in any Head Start program until they have been fingerprinted and cleared through the Department of Justice.

AKA Head Start is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be denied employment, discriminated against, or prohibited from participating fully in employment opportunities for reasons of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), creed, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), age, gender, gender identity, political affiliation, sexual orientation, genetic characteristic, marital status, military or veteran status, medical or physical disability, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by federal state, or local law.

Applicants will be required to obtain a Health Screening, TB clearance, proof of immunization against measles and pertussis (MMR and Tdap vaccines), and background clearance prior to starting employment.