Summer Camp Behavioral Specialist

Job Details West Chester Area YMCA - West Chester , PA Seasonal None $ $24.32 Hourly None Day Description

Embark on a Journey of Impactful Adventure

The Behavioral Support Specialist works with branch staff and program participants to create a positive and productive environment where all participants learn, grow and thrive. The Behavioral Support Specialist will be responsible for implementing behavior plans, utilize principles rooted in applied behavior analysis to decrease problem behavior to promote positive replacement behaviors, and maintain accurate documentation for monitoring progress. The Behavioral Support Specialist focuses on a person-centered hands-on approach versus overall behavioral strategy to ensure each participant is treated individually with success as the goal. This position will approach work with a proactive approach with growth mindset and character development as outcomes for all.

Who Are We?

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) was named a 2025 Top Workplace by The Philadelphia Inquirer for a second consecutive year. An association of nine YMCAs serving Chester County, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine is a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility through life-changing programs for all.   

Perks & Benefits

• Free family YMCA membership, including outdoor pools
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid holidays and plentiful PTO for full-time employees
• Babysitting while you work (up to 4 hours per day)
• Generous program discounts on childcare, camp, youth sports, swimming lessons and more
• 12% employer contribution to retirement savings upon reaching eligibility and optional 403B retirement savings plan upon hire.
• Employee Assistance Program
• Continuing education reimbursement, tuition discounts with Chestnut Hill College and Immaculata University
• Career development and paid training
• Unlimited referral bonus beginning at $300.00

What You'll Do

• Assist in de-escalation of day-to-day behavioral incidents throughout the camp day. 
• Provide on-going training, support, and modeling for counselors on how to: minimize common problem behaviors, and how to work with campers who display a diverse array of emotional and behavioral challenges.  Intervene with campers when appropriate to prevent or resolve incidents.  
• Provide a safe environment for campers to discuss concerns, receive disciplinary action, and support. 
• With the support of association BCBA, create behavior strategies for children while promoting a positive environment and instilling the core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
• Maintain documentation and records of office visitations, incident reports, and behavior referrals. 
• Support implantation of camp-wide positive behavior support systems 
• With the support of camp director and BCBA, meet with parents and staff to create a collaborative approach to managing behaviors for a positive outcome.
• Participate in camp activities and staff meetings.
• Attend camper field trips. 

Qualifications

What You'll Need

• Minimum 1-3 years of related work experience, (including working with children with emotional and/or behavioral concerns).  Camp experience is preferred. 
• An understanding of positive behavior approaches.
• Desire and ability to work with children outdoors. 
• Experience working with children on the autism spectrum age 2-18 (Preferred).
• Bachelors degree in special education, behavioral/social sciences, child development, counseling, psychology, or education - or working towards degree. 
• Registered Behavior Technician (Preferred).

Work Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, communicate and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus. Will be exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses.

Why You Need To Apply

Not meeting every single requirement? That's perfectly okay Research shows that women and marginalized groups are often hesitant to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications. If you're excited about this role, don't let a few mismatches in your experience hold you back. We want to see your application You could be exactly what we're looking for  

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