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Institution The University of South Dakota
Working Title Behavior Health Specialist
Posting Number NFE02760P
Department USD-Head Start
Physical Location of Position (City) Vermillion
Posting Text
USD Head Start is seeking a Behavior Health Specialist. The Behavioral Specialist oversees the implementation of trauma responsive, social, emotional, mental and behavioral health education services and programs for children in Head Start/Early Head Start program. The Specialist provides guidance, tracks pertinent data, and offers supports on mental and behavioral health services in alignment with the Head Start Standards including a broad range of other activities and programs to support student success and kindergarten readiness, which are typical in a school and/or community child care setting. The Specialist also provides classroom support through
classroom observations, writing Behavioral Intervention Plans, offering feedback on appropriate
interactions and skills, and providing developmentally appropriate resources and training for children, teachers, and parents.
This position has an office in Vermillion or Tea, SD. This position has a full benefits package which includes health insurance, accrual of annual and sick leave, holiday pay, matching contribution to the SDRS and a life insurance policy.
Posting Date 06/11/2025
Closing Date
Open Until Filled Yes
First Consideration Date 06/18/2025
Advertised Salary commensurate with qualifications, plus benefits
Duration of the Term 12 months
If Other, describe duration
Appointment Percent 100
Work Hours
Typically 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.
Typical Hours Worked Per Week
Appointment Type Regular
Faculty Status No
Scope of Search Internal
If internal, define scope of search
This position requires Valid Drivers License, Travel
If other, please indicate Passing fingerprint background check
Department Description and Cultural Expectations
Head Start provides free health, education and development services to families with young children. A federally funded program, we work with families to recognize their unique characteristics, cultural values and strengths, and offer services like:
We offer services in Clay, Lincoln, Turner and Union counties. These services are available in-home or at one of our local centers and some are offered on a full-day, year-round basis. Visit https://www.usd.edu/education/head-start
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.
Contact Information
Please check the appropriate response that describe the cognitive requirements for this position. Analyzing, Comprehend, Memory, Multiple Priorities, Pace-average, Reading, Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication, Perform calculations, Intense Customer Interaction, Logic, Multiple Stimuli
Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of the following protective clothing or equipment. Other
If other protection is used please identify
If required, personal protective equipment for contagious diseases.
Please designate the physical requirements of this position Wrist Movement (twisting or rotating), Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Crouching, Fine Finger Manipulation (keyboarding, pipefitting, bench work, etc), Kneeling, Squatting, Use Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Carrying, Driving, Grasping, Lifting light, Repetitive Motion, Sitting for sustained periods of time, Standing for sustained periods of time
Describe any of the conditions selected
This position may work in classrooms with young children in indoor and outdoor environments,
Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory requirements for this position. Hearing, Speaking, Vision (With and without corrective lenses)
Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that this position may encounter during the course of the work day. Changes of Temperature, Exposure or Potential Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids, Exposure to Infectious Diseases, Extreme Weather Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Vaccination recommended due to potential occupational exposure, Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc)
Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked above
Classroom environment and home environments with young children,
Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the environment in which the primary function of the position is performed. Classroom Environment, Office Environment, Other Environment (Please explain below)
If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary, please use the space provided.
Family Homes
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