Behavior Specialist P27-46

Behavior Specialist

The Behavior Specialist supports students with significant behavioral, emotional, and social needs by providing assessment, intervention, consultation, training, and programmatic oversight within the school district. This position functions in both direct service and consultative roles, assisting schools in implementing evidence-based behavioral practices that improve student outcomes and maintain safe, supportive learning environments. The Behavior Specialist collaborates with administrators, teachers, families, school psychologists, and related service providers to ensure behavioral services are delivered in compliance with IDEA, WV Policy 2419, and district procedures.

Qualifications:

• Holds Current Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential (preferred)
• Certification or licensure in Special Education, Psychology, Counseling, Applied Behavior Analysis, or closely related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Training and experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
• Minimum of two (2) years experience providing behavioral or educational support to children or adolescents
• Demonstrated knowledge of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and evidence-based behavioral interventions
• Experience with special education evaluation, eligibility, and compliance processes consistent with WV Policy 2419
• Experience providing school or district level consultation, training, or program support

Responsibilities:

A. Behavioral Assessment and Intervention

• Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), including descriptive and systematic assessments and functional analyses, as appropriate to certification.
• Analyze behavioral data to identify patterns, contributing factors, and functions of behavior.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) using evidence-based practices.
• Evaluate student progress using data collection systems and adjust interventions as needed.
• Assist IEP teams in developing measurable behavioral goals and supports aligned with assessment data.

B. Special Education Compliance and IEP Support

• Participate in the referral, evaluation, and eligibility process for students suspected of having behavioral or emotional disabilities, in compliance with WV Policy 2419 timelines.
• Coordinate and facilitate participation in Eligibility Team Meetings to interpret assessment results and determine appropriate services and placements.
• Attend and support IEP meetings to ensure behavioral needs are accurately documented and addressed.
• Maintain student special education data in WVEIS, as appropriate to role designation.
• Maintain accurate documentation, logs, and reports required for compliance with federal, state, and district regulations.

C. Consultation, Training, and Program Support

• Serve as a consultant to teachers, administrators, and school teams regarding behavior management, classroom strategies, and individualized supports.
• Support classrooms through observations and recommendations related to environmental design, instructional strategies, and behavior supports.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to special educators regarding behavior disorders, instructional strategies, and IEP development.
• Design and deliver professional development for staff and families on behavior management, de-escalation strategies, and proactive supports.
• Assist in implementation and monitoring of PBIS and other school-wide behavioral frameworks.

D. Crisis Response and Safety

• Respond to behavioral crises using calm, effective de-escalation techniques, consistent with district procedures and student plans.
• Support development of proactive strategies to reduce restraint, seclusion, and crisis escalation.
• Maintain certification as trainer and provide training in approved crisis intervention programs (e.g., CPI), as required by district.

E. Collaboration and Family Engagement

• Collaborate with parents and guardians to address student behavior across school and home environments.
• Provide families with resources, guidance, and training to support consistency in behavioral interventions.
• Work cooperatively with school psychologists, specialists, teachers, aides, counselors, related service providers, and community agencies.

F. Supervision and Advanced Behavior Support (When Applicable)

• Provide supervision and guidance to BCBA candidates, Registered Behavior Technicians, or behavior support staff, when applicable.
• Assist in designing social skills instruction and behavior-focused group supports.
• Support the social-emotional and behavioral components of district initiatives and improvement plans.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain professional work habits, ethical standards, and confidentiality.
• Participate in required professional development and continuing education.
• Comply with all federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, and local board policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Programs or Superintendent.