YD Miami, Behavior Strategist

Position Summary:

The YMCA of South Florida's Youth Development Team is looking for a dedicated and experienced Behavior Strategist to join our team and make a significant impact on the lives of participants with carrying abilities within our programs across Miami-Dade County. Under the direction of the Associate Executive Director, the Behavior Strategist is responsible for the development, evaluation, and implementation of strategic interventions for participants at various assigned sites. Your expertise in behavior management, along with your commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment, will be instrumental in promoting individual success and program quality.

Essential Functions/Job Duties:

• Conduct comprehensive intake assessments for special needs participants in collaboration with the Youth Development Team, ensuring a thorough understanding of their unique behavioral challenges, strengths, and needs.
• Develop customized behavior intervention plans tailored to each participant's specific requirements and accommodations (504/ IEP Plans) considering their individual goals and the objectives of the afterschool and summer programs.
• Observe the environment, staff, and students to identify the need for intervention strategy development and ensure strategies are up to date.
• Communicate regularly with program leadership and other relevant stakeholders regarding participant progress and challenges.
• Maintain accurate and organized records of intervention plans, assessments, and progress reports for each participant.
• Oversee and assist direct care staff in implementing positive behavior strategies, providing support, modeling, directions, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Assist staff in identifying and implementing positive behavior strategies for individual success.
• Encourage and support staff development through modeling, shadowing, training, and redirection.
• Provide ongoing individual support, coaching, and guidance to frontline staff.
• Ensure consistent and accurate completion of documentation and data collection.
• Document behavior issues and incidents daily as needed and communicate with families when necessary.
• Collaborate with families and caregivers to create a cohesive approach to behavior management and support.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment at all assigned sites, promoting a culture of respect and understanding among participants and staff.
• Maintain consistent communication with the Associate Executive Director, Program Directors, Site Directors, and Behavior Assistants regarding program site issues.
• Collaborate with program leaders to identify opportunities for program improvement and enhanced services.
• Foster and maintain positive and constant communication and relationships with principals, assistant principals, facilities personnel, and any other school board personnel to ensure the safety of all children and staff.
• Provide ongoing training and guidance to program staff on the proper implementation of behavior intervention strategies.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field of behavior intervention, incorporating this knowledge into strategies.
• Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures related to behavior intervention and participant support.
• Perform any additional responsibilities established by the Associate Executive Director.

YMCA Competencies (i.e. Leader, Team Leader, Multi-Team/ Branch Leader):

Mission Advancement: Reinforces the Y’s values within the organization and the community. Effectively communicates the benefits and impact of the YMCA’s efforts for all stakeholders. Implements effective systems to develop volunteers at program and fundraising leadership levels.

Collaboration: Develops strategies to ensure staff and volunteers reflect the community. Builds and

nurtures strategic relationships to enhance support for the YMCA. Communicates for influence to attain buy-in and support of goals. Provides tools and resources for the development of others.

Operational Effectiveness: Integrates multiple thinking processes to make decisions. Involves members and community in the development of programs and activities. Ensures execution of plans. Institutes sound accounting procedures and financial controls. Assigns clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement.

Personal Growth:Fosters a learning environment embracing diverse abilities and approaches. Creates a sense of urgency and positive tension to support change. Anticipates challenges that can sidetrack or derail growth and personal learning. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

Qualifications, Skills and Abilities/Position Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a related field (e.g., psychology, special education).
• Certification as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or similar credential is highly preferred.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing behavior intervention strategies.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest ethical standards in behavior management.
• Bilingual, English and Spanish preferred.

 Certificates and Licenses:

• Florida Child Care Facility Director’s Credentials required for K-5 grade program management (or obtain within 18 months of hire).
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Adult/ Child CPR & First Aid certified.

Position Profile:

• Behavior analysis skills
• Intervention planning
• Data analysis
• Innate ability to train and coach others
• Organizational skills
• Conduct and navigate policy development
• Passionate for advocacy and mission

Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform to essential functions. Primary works in an office environment; however, performs daily visits to program/ school sites. Employment at the YMCA is at-will. It is purely voluntary, based upon the consent of both the Association and the staff member. No expressed or implied contractual rights should be inferred from this job description. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to success perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities. Being in good physical health with range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye/hand coordination.  Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.  Occasionally requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Employment at the YMCA is at-will. It is purely voluntary, based upon the consent of both the Association and the staff member. No expressed or implied contractual rights should be inferred from this document.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to submit to and satisfactorily clear a thorough Level II fingerprinting background screening.

As a Drug-Free Workplace, all new hires must successfully complete a drug test. Please note Medical Marijuana cards do not exempt you from successfully passing your drug test.

The YMCA of South Florida is committed to the policy of Equal Opportunity prohibiting discrimination in the workplace because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, political affiliation, age or disability.