Behavior Specialist

Behavior SpecialistSalary Range- 44,700 to 56,400Full Time- 12 monthsJob SummaryBehavior Specialists utilize effective and appropriate behavior interventions with students and provide a behavioral continuum for responses to inappropriate student behavior. Behavior Specialists provide support to students to encourage the use of appropriate behaviors that will allow the students to fully participate in the classroom and program. Behavior Specialists are an integral part of training staff in behavior management and crisis intervention. Behavior Specialists provide assistance and supervision on staffs' use of protocols and procedures when physically restraining or secluding students. Behavior Specialists monitor students' arrival and dismissal, and maintain a presence in the school hallways and classrooms throughout the day. They actively engage with students and staff to identify potential conflicts or students who are in need of additional support.FLSA Status: Non-exempt employeeSupervision: Behavior Specialists are supervised by the Director of Behavior Management or Behavior CoordinatorEssential Job FunctionsActively manage the hallways during arrival, transition, and dismissal and ensure staff are at assigned postsMaintain required electronic and paper documentation regarding intensive behavior interventions, including but not limited to, mediations, bus incidents, critical incidents, bullying reports, and behavior intervention referralsActively engage with students and staff to identify potential conflicts or students who are in need of additional support; facilitate or participate in mediations, reentry meetings, and parent meetingsMonitor and provide support, both inside and outside of the classrooms, for students who have been identified as needing additional behavior interventionsProvide situational training and guidance to staff on correct utilization of verbal and physical behavior interventions to help increase their behavior intervention skill levelsConsistently and appropriately utilize and model TACT 2 verbal de-escalation and approved physical restraint techniques, Life Space Crisis Intervention (if trained), and behavior management strategies; provide staff training on behavior management procedures and program processesProvide direction to staff during crisis and non-crisis situations to assist staff with improving behavior management skills and decision making skills; manage the need for additional staff in crisis situations and direct staff back to other duties when appropriate; facilitates debriefing sessions with staff to review incidents and identify staff member responsible for completing required documentationReinforce the expectations for learning and standards for classroom participation and behavior; effectively manage student behavior through implementation of positive behavior management systems, school rules, policies and procedures, and model appropriate behavior for students during the school day; assist students with using strategies to decrease and avoid inappropriate behaviorsProactively provide supervision of students to ensure the safety and security of the school program at all timesMaintain student confidentiality in accordance with The Foundation Schools Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Statement and student record confidentiality proceduresDemonstrate an understanding of how our students' disabilities impact their behavior and ability to learn; display knowledge of students' diagnoses and adapt intervention strategies accordingly to meet the requirements of the students' IEPs and BIPsProactively identify behaviors among all students that could lead to a crisis, an unsafe situation or disrupt the learning environment; use effective behavior management techniques to address these behaviors in order to limit the severity and length of disruptionsDemonstrate appropriate use of verbal de-escalation skills to manage student behaviors; utilize the behavior continuum in order to use or consider the use of the least restrictivebehavioral interventions necessary; use effective, appropriate, and approved strategies during a crisis including the participation in seclusions, therapeutic holds, escorts, and student restraints when necessary; consistently, and appropriately utilize and model TACT 2 techniques or classroom behavior management strategiesWork with teachers, therapists, school leaders, and other team members to determine the student and/or classroom needs, and adjust interventions and practices to best meet those needs; work with team to develop interventions and/or incentive plans when appropriateActively participate in committees, meetings, supervision, and professional development activitiesConsistently model and implement the organization's core values to drive actions and to guide our students to incorporate Teamwork, Work Ethic, Integrity, Respect, and Leadership into positive behaviors while at schoolComply with all of The Foundation Schools' policies, rules, protocols, and proceduresComplete other duties as assignedRequirementsQualificationsEducation, Experience and CertificationHigh school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent is requiredRelated course work, Associates or Bachelor's degree is preferredTwo or more years' experience in special education, a psychiatric setting or other similar setting for children and adolescents is requiredTraining in TACT 2, Life Space Crisis Intervention, or similar crisis intervention program is preferredBilingual (Spanish/English) abilities are a plusPhysical, Interpersonal and CognitiveUtilize basic office equipment such as computer, telephone, fax, copier, etc.Complete reports and data input while using a variety of computer programsMove and carry supplies; light lifting, non-repetitiveMaintain a professional demeanor and relationship with students, colleagues, families, and community partnersWork positively and collaboratively with othersMaintain a professional work ethic and meet the standards of professionalism including appropriate dress, attendance, and timelinessDemonstrate effective time management and organization skillsPrioritize & plan work activitiesUse time and resources efficiently, set realistic action plans and goalsSpeak clearly and be understood by othersRead and express thoughts in a written formatPossess and demonstrate a high level of mental and emotional balanceRespond quickly and tactfully to crisis situations while using critical thinking to assess problemsWork with minimum supervision and meet deadlinesPhysically restrain or assist in student restraintsPossess sufficient mobility to provide instruction and manage student behaviors