Behavioral Health & Disabilities Support Spec

General Description

The Behavioral Health & Disabilities Support Specialist supports the social-emotional, behavioral, and developmental well-being of children ages 0–5 enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start. This position assists in implementing program services aligned with the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) related to mental health, disabilities, and family partnership services.

The role focuses on behavioral and developmental observations, supporting behavior and individualized support plans, tracking mental health and disabilities referrals, and collaborating with staff and families to promote school readiness, inclusion, and positive child outcomes. This is a non-clinical, supportive role that works in partnership with Mental Health, Disabilities, Education, and Family Services content areas.

Essential Functions

Behavioral & Developmental Support

• Conduct systematic classroom and home-based observations to support children’s social-emotional and developmental growth (HSPPS 1302.45)
• Observe and document developmental milestones, learning, behavior, and adaptive functioning
• Assist with development and follow-up of behavior support plans and individualized child support strategies
• Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) within the classroom environment
• Collaborate with teaching staff to implement inclusive practices that support children with suspected or diagnosed disabilities
• Support teaching staff in implementing positive behavior support, trauma-informed care, and social-emotional learning strategies
• Model appropriate guidance, co-regulation, and developmental support strategies for children

Referral & Coordination

• Support coordination of mental health and disabilities referrals (HSPPS 1302.33 & 1302.61)
• Assist with developmental screenings and follow-up processes as needed
• Track and monitor referrals for mental health, early intervention, and special education services
• Maintain communication with families regarding referral status, evaluations, and services
• Coordinate with Disabilities, Mental Health, Education, and Family Services teams to ensure continuity of care
• Participate in case conferencing, IFSP/IEP meetings, and multidisciplinary team meetings

Family & Staff Collaboration

• Partner with families to support children’s social-emotional and developmental needs
• Provide education and resources related to child development, disabilities, and early intervention services
• Support families in understanding evaluation results, services, and school readiness goals
• Share resources that strengthen protective factors, resilience, and inclusive parenting practices
• Collaborate with Family Service staff to support family partnership goals related to behavioral and developmental needs
• Support staff in understanding behavior and development through a relationship-based and inclusive lens

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in program data systems
• Document behavioral, developmental, and referral follow-up services
• Support compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards
• Assist during federal, state, and internal monitoring reviews

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of child development ages 0–5, including developmental milestones
• Understanding of disabilities, early intervention, and special education processes
• Knowledge of social-emotional development and positive behavior support
• Strong observation, screening, and documentation skills
• Ability to build relationships with families and staff
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Strong organization and follow-up skills
• Understanding of inclusive classroom practices

EDUCATION: Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Behavioral Science, Special Education, or related field. EXPERIENCE: Required: Minimum 2 years experience working with children ages 0–5.

Required: Experience supporting children with disabilities and/or mental health or social-emotional needs. Experience supporting IEP/IFSP implementation or early intervention services Experience coaching or guiding adults (teachers or parents) in implementing developmental or behavioral strategies. Experience in early childhood settings preferred. Preferred: Head Start experience

Mission Alignment: Staff are expected to support the Head Start mission of promoting school readiness and supporting the comprehensive development, inclusion, and well-being of children and families.