Positive Behavior Support Advocate- Monroe County

Date: 10/7/2024

Program: Head Start
Job Title: Positive Behavior Support Advocate
Location: Monroe County

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Full-time; 37.5 hours per week; School Year

Salary Grade: $13.83 per hour

Reports to: Area Coordinator, Disabilities and Mental Health Coordinator, Director

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves 888 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:

• Provide positive behavioral strategies for children and families, while supporting staff in the classroom.
• Coordinate with the disabilities/mental health manager, mental health consultant, classroom and family services staff to implement behavioral management systems.
• Will introduce and model research and evidence based procedures.
• Will develop positive, nurturing relationships with children and families.
• Provide positive emotional support to identify and implement strategies to diminish challenges in the classroom.
• Provides continuous modeling and guidance to the educational teaching team on positive behavior intervention strategies and social skill building with children.
• Provide quality developmentally appropriate activities and materials to help children achieve individual goals.
• Assists all children in their emotional, cognitive, and social development.
• Participates in team meetings to develop/modify strategies to support staff, children, and families.
• Maintain accurate records/files and documents interactions and services.
• Will assist in the classroom as needed to ensure adult/child ratios are maintained at all times.
• Will assist in all classroom duties as needed (i.e. assist with children, diapering, cleaning, etc.).
• Must be flexible and open to change.
• Professionalism in regard to Confidentiality is essential.
• Will communicate with the local school system to refer possible qualifying children for services as needed.
• Will complete any required paperwork and service logs as needed.
• Welcome families to participate in their child’s learning activities in the classroom, at home, and in the community. Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom to support their child and the program.
• 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
• Minimum of High school diploma or GED and ability to obtain Family Development Credential, SSCBT, or certification/degree in Social Services through an accredited college.
• Knowledge of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and the impact on children/families.
• Knowledge of positive behavioral support systems, behavior management, and early
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood
• Ability to communicate openly with community resources, professionals, staff, parents, and
• Evidence of emotional stability and maturity; must be flexible and open to change.
• Basic computer knowledge
• A natural concern, empathy, and enjoyment of Head Start children and their
• Able to remain calm and supportive when faced with challenging behavior.

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: $13.83 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $14