Behavior Specialist - BCBA

Looking to make a difference in an innovative and dynamic non-profit agency? UCP of Central Florida unlocks the potential of thousands of children each year at our campuses, pediatric therapy clinics and parent support programs.

Job Summary:

• The Behavior Specialist/BCBA provides leadership and support for behavior intervention services across the campus through student assessment, staff coaching, social skills instruction, and implementation of proactive behavior support systems. This role works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, families, and support staff to build staff capacity, strengthen classroom behavior practices, and support positive student outcomes. The Behavior Specialist/BCBA also supports crisis response, oversees behavior support staff, and ensures compliance with applicable documentation, billing, and grant requirements related to behavioral services.
• Job Responsibilities:
• Behavioral Assessment, Intervention & Student Support
• Conduct behavioral observations, assessments, and data analysis to support student success across educational settings.
• Develop, implement, and monitor Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and other individualized behavior supports.
• Utilize data to identify behavioral trends, monitor student progress, and recommend evidence-based interventions and supports.
• Participate in MTSS, Problem Solving Team (PST), Child Study Team (CST), IEP, Threat Assessment and other student support meetings, as appropriate.
• Support the implementation of proactive, preventative, and skill-based behavioral and social-emotional strategies designed to maximize student participation and success in the classroom environment.
• Develop and facilitate social skills groups and other targeted behavioral skill-building interventions to support student self-regulation, communication, problem-solving, and positive peer interactions.
• Utilize grant-supported behavioral and social-emotional programming to provide proactive support designed to reduce behavioral concerns and improve student success.
• Teacher Coaching & Capacity Building
• Provide coaching, modeling, and ongoing support to teachers and school staff related to classroom management, de-escalation strategies, behavior intervention techniques, and positive behavior supports.
• Support teachers in developing classroom systems and instructional practices that promote positive student behavior and reduce behavioral disruptions.
• Provide training and professional development to school staff on behavior-related topics including de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, behavior principles, noncompliance, aggression, self-regulation, and classroom behavior systems.
• Collaborate with administrators, instructional staff, and support personnel to strengthen campus-wide behavior support systems and practices.
• Support implementation and monitoring of Tier I and Tier II behavior supports and PBIS-related initiatives.
• Behavior Support Team Leadership
• Provide direction, support, and oversight to Behavior Coaches and/or related behavior support staff.
• Assist in establishing systems and expectations for behavior support services focused on prevention, staff support, and student success.
• Ensure behavior support staff are effectively supporting classrooms, collecting appropriate data, and implementing intervention strategies with fidelity.
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, onboarding, coaching, and professional development of behavior support staff, as appropriate.
• Crisis Response & Compliance
• Provide support during significant behavioral crises or safety situations, as needed, while promoting staff capacity to independently manage routine student behaviors.
• Implement emergency safety procedures, including approved restraint procedures, only when necessary and in compliance with all state and federal guidelines.
• Maintain required documentation related to behavior services, Medicaid billing, Certified Medicaid Match, grant requirements, and other applicable funding or compliance expectations. • Assist in monitoring service delivery, documentation, and billing practices to ensure compliance with funding and program requirements.
• Keep current with evidence-based practices and changes in state and federal laws, policies, and procedures related to student behavior and behavioral supports.

What UCP Offers

Our mission at UCP is to empower children with and without disabilities to achieve their potential by providing individualized support, education and therapy services in an inclusive environment. When you join UCP of Central Florida you partner with a team that is making a positive impact on the futures of our children. For over 70 years, we have been dedicated to enriching the lives of children of all abilities across Central Florida as 8 campuses: Downtown Orlando, East Orlando (near UCF), Kissimmee, Pine Hills, Lake Mary, and Winter Garden.

UCP of Central Florida offers a competitive benefit package available to all employees! Some perks to being a UCP Team Member may include: health insurance (free option after the first year), dental insurance options, free life insurance, paid time off, discounted on-site childcare, 403B/Retirement match, short & long term disability, and support in continuing your education.

Education and Training: ( or equivalent)

• Minimum of a master's degree with Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (BCBA) or BaCBA

AND

• If not a BCBA - also Florida Statement of Eligibility in ESE
• Safety Care (Current) or able to secure this within 90 days of employment.
• Eligible to provide billable behavioral services under applicable Medicaid and funding guidelines (with current NPI/Medicaid Provider ID)

Minimum Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience (including internship/residency experience) supporting students with autism spectrum disorders, behavioral challenges, and/or social-emotional needs in an educational or clinical setting.
• Experience conducting behavioral observations, collecting and analyzing behavior data, and utilizing data to guide intervention planning and progress monitoring.
• Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) &Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Demonstrated ability to implement evidence-based behavioral interventions and support students with a wide range of behavioral and social-emotional needs within school settings.
• Experience coaching, modeling, and supporting teachers and school staff in classroom behavior management and positive behavior support strategies.
• Experience implementing social skills instruction, social-emotional learning supports, and/or small group behavioral interventions.
• Experience supporting MTSS, PBIS, or other school-wide behavior support systems preferred.
• Experience supervising, training, or supporting behavior support staff, paraprofessionals, or related personnel preferred.
• Experience with Certified Medicaid Match, and/or documentation requirements related to behavioral services preferred.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to respond calmly and effectively during behavioral crises while maintaining a proactive and student-centered approach to behavior support.