Behavioral Health Specialist

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Behavioral Health Specialist

PROGRAM/DEPT: Early Childhood Education Program

REPORTS TO: Behavior Health, Coaching & Data Outcomes Manager (BHCDOM)

CLASSIFICATION: Regular, Full-Time

FLSA: Exempt

Description: To provide behavioral health services, inclusive of mental health, as articulated in Federal and State Standards in order to allow for holistic, integrated service delivery and to create environments that will promote success, growth and development of all children and families in the early childhood education programs.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities (others may be assigned):

• Provides small and large group classroom-based social emotional instruction as assigned.
• Conducts formal observations of classrooms to provide required data and reports outcomes in accordance with established timelines.
• Provides resources for families regarding early childhood development with emphasis on behavioral, emotional and mental health and the importance of relationship between the child and parent/guardian and documents contact in the program database.
• Partners with Education Disabilities Managers (EDMs) through the Request for Classroom Support process in order to provide strategies regarding behavior management for the classrooms on their assigned caseload.
• Partners with Education Disabilities Managers (EDMs) through the Request for Individual Behavior Support process in order to provide strategies regarding behavior management individual children on their assigned caseload.
• Is a member of the Response to Behavior Intervention Team (RTBI), participating in meetings and acting as a liaison between the team and the child’s family.
• Writes Behavior Support Plans using the Prevent, Teach, Reinforce, For Young Children approach, in collaboration with the RTBI Team.
• Provides classroom staff and families with support, as needed, to successfully implement Behavior Support Plans.
• Provides home visits for the purpose of observation, screening, and Behavior Support Plan implementation support as needed.
• Is a member of the Crisis Management Team and responds to calls as needed.
• Participates in ongoing trainings and meetings in order to continue to develop knowledge and understanding about the history, traditions, values, family systems, and artistic expression of groups served as well as uses appropriate methodological approaches, skills, and techniques that reflect an understanding of culture, as assigned.
• Works collaboratively with community agencies as assigned
• Remains informed about pertinent federal, state and clinic regulations, laws, and policies as they presently exist and as they change or are modified.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the BHCDOM and/or Director.

Minimum requirements:

• BA/BS degree in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling or related human services field is required.
• Extensive knowledge and demonstrated level of expertise in early childhood development, emotional and behavioral health, family systems, assessment, attachment/separation issues, substance abuse, domestic violence, and abuse and neglect.
• Three years minimum professional experience.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knows how to operate communication and computer systems as well as other office equipment.
• Must possess personal qualities necessary to relate to parents and staff.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have strong documentation skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard.
• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.

Language Requirements:

• Ability to read, write and speak English.

HRA of New Britain, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disabilities/Vets

When duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and changed based upon changes to program or organization’s priorities.