What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Emotional Support Specialist position at Operation Breakthrough?
Come make a difference in the lives of children, classrooms, and families at Operation Breakthrough! We are looking for qualified and enthusiastic direct service providers who want to support the social emotional development of children ages 2-5 on-site in their classroom environment. You will work directly with children, inclusive of their teacher’s and/or caregiver’s perspectives, during business hours between 8:00am-6:00pm Monday through Friday. Services include crisis regulation, individualized interventions, classroom-based social-emotional skill building groups, and consultation with interdisciplinary team members.
Job Summary:
The Social Emotional Support Specialist (SESS) will be responsible for supporting the social, emotional, and behavioral development of the children we serve. They will bridge the gap between academic achievement and emotional well-being by implementing programs that build skills like self-awareness, emotional regulation, and the ability to foster healthy interpersonal relationships.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in social work, education, early childhood development, or related service field or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Previous direct experience with children 0-5 and their caregivers
- Familiarity with the implications of child development, trauma, attachment, and diversity
- Ability to work independently with limited supervision
- Understanding of HIPAA compliance
- Ability to move and lift up to 45lbs
Essential Functions:
- Provide immediate support during times of behavioral crisis to children 2-5 in their classroom setting or in a designated Safe Place
- Utilize universal social-emotional approach within the classroom and across the agency to foster attuned and responsive attachment relationships, healthy social-emotional relationships with peers, and early skills in regulation.
- Endorse proactive strategies to support social emotional health and development across classrooms, neighborhoods, and families
- Support teachers and early childhood staff to implement structures and teaching practices within the classroom that promote safety and connection, creating a prosocial learning environment
- Model use of Conscious Discipline Powers, Skills, and Structures for teachers, staff, and caregivers and encourage application of these skills to support classroom, child, and family social emotional needs
- Provide social emotional prevention activities within the classroom and/or small groups targeting safety and self-regulation, connection and attachment relationships, and problem-solving and initiative
- Engage children and caregivers in utilizing social emotional strategies to regain regulated state
- Participate and collaborate with interdisciplinary team members in Behavior Support planning and Treatment Team Meetings with regard for positive intent and through a trauma-informed lens
Competencies:
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to maintain self-regulation and positive regard for the function of behaviors in times of high stress
- Strong organization and computer skills for daily documentation and data collection
- Ability to help individuals recognize their emotions, personal values, and strengths, fostering a growth mindset
- Competency in promoting perspective-taking and empathy for others, particularly across diverse backgrounds and cultures
- Deep knowledge of trauma-engaged practices and the ability to implement strategies that support individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Proficiency in de-escalation techniques and crisis response, including knowledge of safety regulations and intervention plans
- Skill in training and coaching educators, administrators, or managers on SEL best practices
- Ability to build rapport and work effectively with families, community partners, and multidisciplinary teams
Working Conditions:
School setting, classroom environment, office setting, outside playgrounds
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of an employee.
Operation Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Operation Breakthrough is “At Will”.