Behavioral Specialist

Behavioral Specialist/Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Candidate

The Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey is seeking a nurturing, compassionate and collaborative Behavioral Specialist/Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Candidate to support the Katz JCC Early Childhood Center, an inclusive private Jewish childcare and preschool program, serving young children from infancy to 5 years and the Kellman Brown Academy (KBA) Hebrew Day School, which is a private school setting educating children from pre-school through 8th grade.

This role is designed to foster an inclusive and supportive setting where children can thrive socially, emotionally, behaviorally, and developmentally. The Behavioral Specialist/BCBA Candidate will serve as an active support throughout the Early Childhood Center/KBA, collaborating closely with teachers, administrators, and families to provide classroom consultation, professional development, and proactive intervention strategies that promote independence, self-regulation, positive peer interactions, and school readiness skills.

The Behavioral Specialist/BCBA Candidate, under the supervision of the Director of Community Behavioral Health, will conduct Functional Behavior Assessments and develop individualized behavioral and social-emotional support plans on an as needed basis.

The ideal candidate establishes strong rapport with staff and young children through consistent, relationship-based interactions and works collaboratively with team members and families to develop practical recommendations. This role emphasizes proactive teacher coaching and consultation, individualized and small-group social skills instruction, and support for children with neurodivergence, developmental differences, and social-emotional or behavioral needs while helping to cultivate a positive and inclusive school culture grounded in belonging and child success.

Responsibilities:

• Provide proactive behavioral, social-emotional, developmental, and executive functioning support for children in a childcare and preschool setting.
• Build positive relationships with children, teachers, administrators, and families to support student success and foster a warm, inclusive early childhood environment.
• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and develop individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) when appropriate.
• Design and implement individualized and classroom-based strategies to support self-regulation, coping skills, communication, independence, transitions, and positive peer interactions.
• Facilitate individual and small-group social skills instruction focused on communication, play skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, and peer engagement.
• Support children with neurodivergence, developmental differences, executive functioning challenges, anxiety, and related behavioral or learning needs through individualized planning and skill-building interventions.
• Develop practical classroom strategies, accommodations, routines, and behavior supports that promote engagement and developmental success.
• Provide consultation, coaching, and support to faculty regarding behavior management, classroom climate, developmentally appropriate practices, and inclusive early childhood education.
• Design, prepare, and implement behavior analytic instructional materials, individualized supports, and visual supports to enhance communication, routines, learning, and behavioral success where appropriate.
• Participate in student support meetings and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure effective intervention planning and continuity of care.
• Monitor child progress through data collection, observation, and collaboration, adjusting supports and interventions as needed.
• Provide support during challenging situations using calm, respectful, developmentally appropriate, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Develop and facilitate staff trainings and parent workshops related to behavior support, executive functioning, social-emotional development, and inclusive early childhood practices.
• Maintain ethical and professional standards in accordance with BACB guidelines and applicable state and school regulations.

Required…