What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavior Support Specialist position at United Way of Central New York?
SALARY : $68-70K DOE
OVERVIEW :
The Behavior Support Specialist will play a critical role in supporting the social-emotional and behavioral development of young children (birth to age 5) experiencing challenges in early learning environments. This position will focus on early intervention, by partnering with childcare administrators, educators, families, and multidisciplinary professionals to assess, develop, and implement individualized behavior support plans that foster positive outcomes for young learners. The Behavior Support Specialist will collaborate with various teams across United Way to ensure that children receive the behavioral and social-emotional support they need for lifelong learning and well-being. This essential role requires expertise in behavior intervention, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to apply proactive, research-based strategies to help children develop self-regulation, social-emotional skills, and resilience.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES :
Conduct comprehensive assessments and evaluations to identify the behavior, social, and emotional needs of young children. Observe classroom dynamics to identify triggers for challenging behaviors and opportunities for targeted interventions. Develop and implement individualized behavior intervention plans aligned with best practices. Collaborate with psychologists, pediatricians, social workers, and / or educators to ensure a coordinated approach to intervention. Serve as a liaison between families, early childhood programs, and community resources, ensuring open communication and a coordinated approach to each child's behavioral and social-emotional development. Foster strong partnerships that support early intervention and lay the foundation for long-term success at home and in school.
Provide targeted intervention and support : Engage in collaborative discussions with teachers, administrators, and support staff to identify and address both classroom-wide and individual behavior challenges, ensuring that intervention strategies are tailored to the unique needs of each child and learning environment. Provide targeted coaching and consultation to help educators implement evidence-based behavior management techniques, fostering inclusive and supportive classrooms that promote positive social-emotional development. Extend support beyond the classroom by offering in-home guidance and training to families, helping caregivers understand and apply effective strategies for reinforcing positive behaviors, managing challenges, and creating structured routines that support their child's success. Develop user-friendly resource guides, toolkits, and instructional materials that empower families and educators with practical, research-backed strategies for addressing behavior concerns in both home and school settings.
Provide training, coaching, and resources to early childhood professionals : Develop and lead training sessions on positive behavioral support strategies, inclusive classroom management, and child development milestones to equip educators with effective tools for fostering supportive learning environments. Provide teachers with practical techniques, including de-escalation methods, reinforcement systems, and trauma-sensitive approaches, to manage challenging behaviors effectively. Train educators to recognize and respond to children impacted by trauma or adverse experiences, ensuring early intervention and appropriate support. Implement evidence-based frameworks such as Trauma-Informed Care, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to help children develop self-regulation and emotional coping skills. Collaborate with families to provide personalized coaching, resources, and training, equipping caregivers with effective behavior management strategies for use at home. Serve as a liaison between families, childcare centers, and community organizations, ensuring consistent support and coordinated intervention services for children in need.
Maintain detailed records of assessments, intervention plans, and progress : Prepare reports for parents, schools, and other stakeholders as required. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and ethical guidelines.
Supports team in any planning or activities needed as related to the Early REACH Program : planning and organizing activities related to the Early REACH Program. This includes coordinating resources and supporting the implementation of program objectives to ensure successful outcomes.
Other : Performs special assignments and other work, on an as-needed basis. A willingness to take on additional duties to ensure the success of the team is essential. Evening and weekend work required on occasion.
Salary : $68,000 - $70,000
