Behavior Support Specialist

The Behavior Support Specialist works with Kalamazoo County Ready 4s’ partnering preschool programs to enhance the success of learners in the preschool classroom. Through the coordination and facilitation of established Student Support Team processes, the Behavior Support Specialist suggests strategies for building social emotional development in young children, increasing effectiveness and reducing stress in teachers, and improving access to community supports for families. The available position is part-time from August through May, with an average of 5 hours per week and up to 15 hours per week at a range of $32-$36 per hour. Benefits include mileage reimbursement, accrued Paid Time Off (PTO), Employee Assistance Program, wellness benefits, and employer contribution to a Simple IRA upon eligibility.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
1. Coordinates and facilitates Student Support Team (SST) processes, including:
a. Facilitates communication among team members (e.g.) preschool program staff, family members, KCReady4s team members, and other professional supports
b. Facilitates the collection of required SST documentation
c. Coordinates scheduling of required SST meetings (e.g.) determine mutually agreeable time for SST meetings, develop meeting agendas, connect individually with families in advance to explain the process, etc.
d. Conducts classroom observations of referred child or classroom teaching team to identify strengths and potential strategies for implementation
e. Facilitates onsite SST meetings and documents meeting notes for distribution to SST members
f. Follows up with SST for ongoing support, implementation of documented behavior strategies, coordination of follow up meetings
2.Familiarizes oneself with community mental health and social emotional resources for children and families; connects child/family with community resources when appropriate
3.Builds connection with and advocates for child and family as appropriate
4.Ensures alignment of behavior recommendations to early childhood best practices by understanding preschool curricula and child assessment tools (e.g.) Second Step, CLASS, COR, TSGold
5.Provides print and virtual resources for preschool staff and families regarding appropriate social emotional learning and supports teachers in implementation of a social emotional curriculum.
6.Develops and facilitates professional development for preschool staff to support classroom management techniques (i.e.) mindfulness, social/emotional development
7.Develops data systems to identify, monitor, and evaluate behavior supports offered through KCReady4s; reports behavior support data monthly
8.Collaborates and attends meetings with local ECE organizations which are also supporting behavior in preschool classrooms (e.g.) GSRP, KRESA, WMU
9.Participates in meetings, workshops, trainings, etc. for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions
REV 2025
10.Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of Kalamazoo County Ready 4s

Knowledge and Skills Required
1.Master of Social Work (LMSW) or Master of Counseling/Counseling Psychology (LPC) preferred
2.Minimum of three years’ experience in a clinical setting, educational setting preferred
3.Proven experience in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds
4.Ability to respond sensitively to unique and/or challenging situations
5.Ability to work independently and take the initiative to creatively solve problems
6.Knowledge of typical and atypical child development
7.Knowledge of and experience in working with adult learners
8.Ability to work independently, coordinate and schedule a flexible workload, make decisions as appropriate, and handle a variety of tasks and deadlines
9.Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented manner
10.Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment
11.Excellent written, verbal, and listening communication skills.
12.Valid Michigan driver’s license and availability of a vehicle and vehicle insurance with ability to travel throughout Kalamazoo County
13.Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office products (Word, SharePoint, Teams, etc.) and other technology platforms as needed

Application Procedure
Interested candidates are asked to send a resume to Colleen Uekert, KC Ready 4s Office Manager, at cuekert@kcready4s.org. Start date is anticipated to be December 2025.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
KC Ready 4s strives to be equitable and inclusive in all interactions, processes, and procedures. This commitment includes recruitment and retention of staff of diverse identities, experiences, and thoughts that contribute to our values and mission. We encourage all who meet minimum qualifications to apply and preference given to candidates who:
•Have proven experience with effectively engaging individuals from diverse backgrounds; including but not limited to traditionally marginalized populations
•Model flexibility and patience to adapt to inevitable changes in society and the workplace
•Commit to ongoing growth and development in the areas of cultural agility, equity and inclusion