YMCA Of Central Massachusetts·Southbridge, Massachusetts
The Behavior Specialist conducts classroom observations and develops individualized support strategies to promote children's social-emotional development. They also provide coaching to educators and collaborate with families and community agencies to ensure inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Description Under the supervision of the Early Learning Executive Director, the Behavior Specialist partners with children, families, educators, administrative and case management staff, the Family Engagement Specialist, and community agencies to promote positive social-emotional development and ensure equitable access to behavioral health supports. Through classroom consultation, staff coaching, family partnerships, behavioral assessments, and collaboration with community partners, the Behavior Specialist helps create supportive learning environments that foster resilience, inclusion, and school readiness.
Child Social-Emotional Development & Behavioral Support Conducts classroom observations to identify children's social-emotional, behavioral, developmental, and environmental needs. Develops individualized behavior support strategies and collaborates with classroom educators to implement evidence-based, developmentally appropriate interventions. Supports children's emotional regulation, social skills, problem-solving, and positive peer relationships using trauma-informed and strengths-based practices. Assists with crisis prevention, de-escalation, and reintegration following significant behavioral incidents. Monitors children's progress and recommends adjustments to intervention strategies based on ongoing observations and data. Help create safe, inclusive, and emotionally supportive learning environments where every child feels welcomed, respected, and supported. Staff Coaching & Professional Development Provides classroom coaching to educators on positive behavior supports, classroom management, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed practices. Models developmentally appropriate behavior guidance techniques and positive educator-child interactions. Assists classroom teams in developing consistent approaches to supporting children with challenging behaviors. Supports new staff in understanding the program's philosophy and expectations regarding positive behavior support and child guidance. Collaboration & Community Coordination Develops positive, trusting relationships with families using a strengths-based, culturally responsive approach. Collaborates closely with the Early Learning Executive Director, Program Supervisors, administrative and case management staff, the Family Engagement Specialist, and classroom educators to ensure coordinated supports for children and families. Partners with the Family Engagement Specialist and administrative/case management staff to identify family needs, coordinate referrals, and connect families with behavioral health services and community resources. Collaborates with EEC, DCF, EOHLC, DTA, Early Intervention, local public-school districts, pediatric providers, behavioral health providers, and other community organizations to support children and families. Participates in multidisciplinary meetings, IFSP and IEP meetings, transition planning, and other collaborative planning meetings as appropriate. Program Leadership & Compliance Assists leadership in maintaining compliance with EEC regulations and contractual requirements related to behavioral health and family support services. Maintains confidential documentation in accordance with YMCA policies, EEC regulations, and applicable confidentiality requirements. Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives by reviewing behavioral trends and recommending program improvements that strengthen children's social-emotional development. Maintains current knowledge of best practices in early childhood mental health, trauma-informed care, inclusion, and positive behavior support. 20. Participates in YMCA fundraising and special events. 21. Follows YMCA policies and procedures, responds appropriately during emergency situations, and performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in one of the following fields: Social Work Psychology Child Psychology Counseling Mental Health Counseling Human Services Early Childhood Special Education Applied Behavior Analysis Child Development or a closely related behavioral health or human services field. Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with young children (birth through age five) and their families. Demonstrated knowledge of child development, social-emotional development, trauma-informed care, positive behavior supports, and developmentally appropriate practices. Experience collaborating with educators, families, and multidisciplinary teams. Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to maintain confidentiality and establish positive relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.
Experience working in an EEC-licensed early education and care program. Experience collaborating with EEC, DCF, DTA, EOHLC, Early Intervention, public school districts, pediatric providers, behavioral health providers, and other community agencies. Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
If this sounds like something you are qualified to do and want to apply, please submit online application today!!
We’re for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
OUR
CULTURE: Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are a safe place for children, teens and vulnerable populations, and all staff, regardless of their role within the organization, are required to ensure the trust that families place in us is earned each and every day. Child protection is every employee’s job, and employees may not begin work until they are trained.
We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become.
We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to strengthen our community, beginning with you.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Psychology, Social Work, or Early Childhood Education. A minimum of two years of experience working with young children and their families is required.
Market context
In Massachusetts, full-time Behavior Specialist roles are often tied to schools, early intervention, and child-focused support programs, so demand tends to follow district and service-provider staffing needs. These positions are competitive because employers usually look for a relevant bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of experience with young children and families. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show family collaboration and child behavior support experience.