Behavioral Specialist

The Behavioral Specialist assists the classroom team and center staff in creating an inclusive environment for all children with enhanced support for children diagnosed with a disability and children in need of social and emotional support. This role will implement best practices to guide and engage children in their play and engagement with their peers and classroom adults.

The pay for this position is $20.19 per hour with opportunities to grow within the organization. This is a Union position.

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:

• 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.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Implement inclusion strategies to support engagement and active participation of each individual child.
• Works collaboratively with Mental Health Operation Directors, Mental Health Coordinator, parents, and classroom teachers to assess student needs, develop inclusive practices, facilitating collaboration among educators, and families to enhance children learning experience.
• In the absence of the classroom teacher or assistant teacher, assist in supporting the needs of the classroom, supervision of children, and implementation of planned activities.
• Work to build trusting relationships with the child/ren and look for opportunities to engage with them in joyful play.
• Support social and emotional development of the child/ren by providing positive guidance, helping the child/ren recognize and express their feelings, and supporting their social skill development. Facilitate interactions with peers as appropriate.
• Collaborate and communicate with the teachers regarding the child/ren's progress, interests, and challenges via formal and informal meetings.
• In collaboration with classroom teachers, ensure regular parental communication for those children receiving additional support.
• Work collaboratively with the teaching team and other program staff in the implementation of strategies to support the research based "Conscious Discipline Curriculum."
• Adapt classroom environment and activities for the purpose of supporting the classroom and individual goals and objectives.
• Assist with the development and use of adaptive materials (picture schedules, sensory experiences, etc.) In collaboration with the child/ren's therapists, integrate therapeutic goals into the classroom curriculum and daily routines, as appropriate.
• Respect all children and families and work to create the understanding with children that school is a place where they will be respected, honored, and included.
• Supports the classroom team in the daily implementation of the "Creative Curriculum," and individualizing for children.
• Assist in the child assessment and outcomes using My Teaching Strategies Child Assessment Tool.
• Assist classroom team in the implementation of YMCA best practices and active supervision strategies to maximize safety of all children.
• Develop positive rapport with children, parents, staff and individual assigned to support the child's need and inclusion.

Minimum & Preferred 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build constructive relationships, act as role model, and communicate effectively with children, families, team members and others.
• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description. The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Child Abuse Prevention - Supports the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.