What are the responsibilities and job description for the Positive Behavior Support Advocate- Monroe County position at Douglas-Cherokee Head Start?
Date: 12/30/2025
Program: Head Start
Job Title: Positive Behavior Support Advocate
Location: Monroe County, base at Madisonville Head Start
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time; 37.5 hours per week; School Year
Salary Grade: $15.22 per hour
Reports to: Area Coordinator, Disabilities and Mental Health Coordinator, Director
Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves children ages 6 weeks-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Positive Behavior Support Advocate position is Monday thru Friday, within the hours of 7:30 AM-4:30 PM. : Under the direction of the Disabilities/Mental Health Manager, the Positive Behavior Support Advocate (PBSA) will perform social/health related services necessary for compliance with Head Start Performance Standards. The PBSA will have a number of core classrooms but may travel to other classrooms based on program needs.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES / ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. Provide positive behavioral strategies for children and families, while supporting staff.
2. Coordinate with the disabilities/mental health manager, mental health consultant, classroom and family services staff to implement behavioral management systems.
3. Will introduce and model research and evidence-based procedures.
4. Will develop positive, nurturing relationships with children and families.
5. Provide positive emotional support to identify and implement strategies to diminish challenges in the classroom.
6. Provides continuous modeling and guidance to the educational teaching team on positive behavior intervention strategies and social skill building with children.
7. Assists all children in their emotional, cognitive, and social development.
8. Participates in team meetings to develop/modify strategies to support staff, children, and families.
9. Maintain accurate records/files and documents interactions and services.
10. Will assist in the classroom as needed to ensure adult/child ratios are maintained at all times.
11. Will assist in all classroom duties as needed (i.e. assist with children, diapering, cleaning, etc.).
12. Must be flexible and open to change.
13. Professionalism in regard to confidentiality is essential.
14. Encourage parents, families, and community members to support our children and the program through gifts of time, goods, and/or monetary donations to ensure program local match (in-kind) as required to continue receiving federal funding.
WORK SITE: Monroe County
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
ROLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Prefer degree in Social Work/Human Services, SSCBT, or similar credentials.
- Minimum of High school diploma or GED
- Must obtain within eighteen months of hire, at a minimum, a credential or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling or a related field as required of the Head Start Performance Act.
- Knowledge of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and the impact on children/families.
- Knowledge of positive behavioral support systems, behavior management, and early intervention.
- Knowledge of child development and early childhood education.
- Ability to communicate openly with community resources, professionals, staff, parents, and children.
- Evidence of emotional stability and maturity and must be flexible and open to change.
- Basic computer knowledge required.
- A natural concern, empathy, and enjoyment of Head Start children and their families.
- Able to remain calm and supportive when faced with challenging behaviors.
Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
- Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
- Must agree to pre-employment background check
- Must have valid Tennessee driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel between centers.
- Must show proof (as necessary) of auto liability insurance.
- Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
- Must have the ability to lift children and to physically assist at all times.
- Will frequently lift or move weight as in lifting, carrying, and holding children (20-60#).
- Required to stand up to 95% of the workday.
- Must be able to interact with children on the playground or in the classroom. Ex: run, jump, dance, physical exercise.
- Must be able to stoop and bend to interact with children on their level.
- Able to physically and mentally react immediately to unexpected circumstances.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Application Deadline: Applications accepted until the position is filled.
To Apply: Send application and/or resume to: Human Resources Manager DCEA Head Start/Early Head Start, 127 Cedar Street, Morristown, TN 37814. Email applications to jobs@dceaheadstart.org.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $15.22 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $15