Behavioral Specialist

About the role

The Behavioral Specialist assists the classroom team and center staff in creating an inclusive environment for all children, with a focus on enhancing support for children diagnosed with disabilities and those needing social and emotional support.

Responsibilities

• Implement inclusion strategies to support engagement and active participation of each individual child.
• Collaborates with Mental Health Operation Directors, Mental Health Coordinator, parents, and classroom teachers to assess student needs, develop inclusive practices, facilitate collaboration among educators, and families to enhance children's learning experience.
• Assists in the classroom, supervises children, and implements planned activities in the absence of the classroom teacher or assistant teacher.
• Builds trusting relationships with children and engages them in joyful play.
• Supports social and emotional development by providing positive guidance, recognizing and expressing feelings, and supporting social skill development.
• Facilitates interactions with peers as appropriate.
• Collaborates and communicates with teachers regarding the child's progress, interests, and challenges via formal and informal meetings.
• Ensures regular parental communication for children receiving additional support.
• Collaborates with the teaching team and other program staff to implement strategies to support the "Conscious Discipline Curriculum."
• Affords adaptability to the classroom environment and activities to support the classroom and individual goals and objectives.
• Develops positive rapport with children, parents, staff, and individuals assigned to support the child's needs and inclusion.

Requirements

• Associate of Arts in Child Development preferred; minimum of 18 hours of early childhood education, Para-Professional Certification, or ECE Level 2.
• Prior experience working with children; experience with children with disabilities and/or in a similar program setting preferred.
• Commitment to, and passion for, the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s mission and serving the needs of diverse youth.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build constructive relationships, act as a role model, and communicate effectively with children, families, team members, and others.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for age group.
• Ability to observe participant behavior and apply appropriate behavior management techniques is essential.

Skills

• Positive guidance and social skill development.
• Behavioral management techniques.
• Developmentally appropriate practices.
• Behavioral observation and analysis.

Benefits

Competitive salaries reflecting your skills and experience.
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees, plus wellness programs, mental health resources, and a family gym membership.
Generous PTO and paid holidays, with flexible work hours for work-life balance.
403(b) plan with company contributions for eligible employees after 2 years of service.
Continuous learning opportunities through workshops and training programs.
Supportive work environment valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Discounts on programs, employee assistance programs, and company-sponsored events.