Behavioral Specialist

TITLE: Behavioral Specialist

DEPARTMENT: Summer Enrichment Program (Grades K2–8) and Family Nurturing

REPORTS TO: Director of Community Education & Workforce Development for the SEP Program and the Director of /Director of Resident Services for Family Nurturing Program

CLASSIFICATION: Part-Time, Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $29.00-$40.00

SUMMARY:

The Behavior Specialist supports the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of children participating in the Summer Enrichment Program to ensure a safe, inclusive and positive program experience. Working closely with program staff, families, and program leadership, the Behavior Specialist helps create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where all children can thrive.

The Behavior Specialist provides behavioral support, crisis intervention, social-emotional learning activities, and guidance to staff in addressing children's emotional and behavioral needs. The ideal candidate is compassionate, flexible, and experienced in working with diverse youth populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrated ability to ensure Safety as a first priority and can train staff, volunteer and participants to do the same
• Support children experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.
• Conduct informal assessments and develop individualized support strategies as needed. What will be the process for follow up once ISS is developed
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation during behavioral incidents.
• Facilitate social-emotional learning (SEL) groups, conflict resolution activities, and skill-building workshops.
• Collaborate with camp counselors and program staff to implement positive behavior support strategies.
• Model and promote trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Communicate with parents and guardians regarding behavioral concerns and progress when appropriate.
• Maintain confidential documentation of incidents, interventions, and outcomes.
• Assist in developing behavior management plans for program participants requiring additional support. Again – who will do the monitoring and necessary follow up?
• Develop and Support staff training related to behavior management, inclusion, trauma-informed practices, and positive youth development.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and program planning activities.
• Ensure compliance with all program policies, child safety regulations, and mandated reporting requirements.
• Assist in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all campers feel safe, respected, and valued while Supporting inclusion of children with diverse learning, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Collaborate with Director of Resident Services to develop a Family Nurturing Program to be rolled out in the fall. (4 hours per week)
• Performs other duties as directed/assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Human Services, Education, Special Education, Human Services or a related field required.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with children and youth in educational, therapeutic, recreational, or community settings.
• Knowledge of child development, behavior management and support strategies, trauma-informed care, conflict resolution-De-escalation strategies, child development and social-emotional learning practices.
• Experience working with children from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with children, families, and staff.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Licensed Social Worker (LSW/LCSW), Mental Health Counselor, School Counselor, or related credential.
• Experience in summer camp, after-school, or youth development programs.
• Experience supporting children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, or other developmental and behavioral needs preferred.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements and OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Ability to actively supervise children in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and behavioral situations.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and participate in recreational activities throughout the day.
• Working knowledge of RTH policies, and appropriate regulations and operational procedures related to your department.
• Ability to adequately observe participant activities, enforce safety regulations and apply appropriate management techniques.