Behavioral Intervention Specialist (26-27 School Year)

About the Role

Kids in the Game is hiring a part‑time Behavioral Intervention Specialist to provide social‑emotional and behavioral support for more than 800 children ages 4‑13 in our after‑school programs across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. This school‑year position runs from September 2026 through June 2027, with a schedule of 3‑5 days per week, 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM. The specialist will spend 80‑90 % of the week conducting observations and delivering on‑site support, building a weekly schedule of school visits in collaboration with the Program Management team.

Responsibilities

• Behavioral Support & Intervention
  • Provide on‑site direct support for behavioral issues, including 1:1 student meetings and group observations.
  • Deliver individual and group‑based support to help students build coping strategies and understand developmental needs.
  • Reinforce appropriate choices, create behavioral plans, and design behavior‑support tools to share with after‑school teams.
  • Observe and interact with students throughout the week to ensure their needs are met and they feel comfortable challenging themselves.
• Staff Training & Coaching
  • Provide scenario‑based training to strengthen staff knowledge of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), mental‑health practices, and stress‑management strategies.
  • Support Site Directors by answering questions or concerns regarding children’s behavioral needs or incidents.
  • Develop new strategies and ideas that equip after‑school teams to support children’s behavioral and developmental needs.
  • Participate in all required trainings throughout the school year.
• Collaboration & Communication (Virtual and In‑Person)
  • Work alongside Site Directors and the Program Management team to address behavioral or mental‑health concerns.
  • Assist Site Directors in preparing parent communications and leading meetings regarding students’ social‑emotional needs.
  • Serve as a key resource for leadership teams in problem‑solving student issues and parental concerns.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with sites via calls, emails, and internal messages.
• Documentation & Safety
  • Maintain and file all documentation and incident reports regarding behavioral concerns and plans for students.
  • Respond appropriately to injuries, behavioral challenges, or conflicts, following organizational policies.
  • Uphold all program policies and serve as a positive role model for youth.
• Professionalism & Representation
  • Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to actively engage with youth and staff.
  • Adhere to the call‑out policy for lateness and absences; excessive tardiness may affect schedule.
  • Wear the required uniform each day (company shirt or sweater with visible logo, sneakers/closed‑toe shoes; no crocs or sandals).
  • Uphold the organization’s mission and values both in and out of the program, demonstrating integrity, reliability, and a strong work ethic.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master’s in Social Work, Counseling, or Clinical Psychology.
• 2+ years of experience working in a behavioral/intervention specialist setting with children and adults.
• Advanced knowledge of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), effective communication, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with employees, participants, parents, and caregivers.
• Timely, professional communication across organization‑wide channels (Slack, Email, Text, Google Calendar, etc.) and ability to interpret written and oral instructions.
• Availability 3‑5 days per week, Monday‑Friday, during after‑school hours (2:30 PM – 6:00 PM).
• Ability to use public transportation to travel between sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.
• Up‑to‑date physical and tuberculosis test documentation required before starting.
• Pass Federal and NY State background checks and complete Department of Education fingerprinting prior to start.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications are a plus.

Compensation

This part‑time, hourly position offers competitive rates of $24 – $28 per hour, based on experience and educational status.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during site observations, playground supervision, gym activities, or park‑based programming.
• Travel between multiple program sites across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx using public transportation.
• Walk several blocks to and from nearby program locations or parks while supporting staff and children.
• Bend, kneel, crouch, and reach to engage with children at their level.
• Climb stairs in school buildings or community facilities.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, light rain) as program needs dictate.
• Maintain visual and auditory awareness to observe and support children effectively and ensure safety in active environments.

Our Commitment to You

At Kids in the Game you will join an engaging, spirited environment that values teamwork, open communication, and collaboration. We foster an inclusive workplace where every team member feels respected and connected. Our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives recruit employees from across cultural and socio‑economic backgrounds, partnering with organizations that target historically discriminated‑against or low‑income groups to provide high‑quality employment opportunities.