Behavior Specialist (NY HELPS)

LOCATION: Special Education – BOCES Public School Programs (.5 FTE) and Itinerant (.5 FTE)

SCHEDULE: 10M/FT plus an additional 35 days during the school year

BASIC FUNCTION: The Behavior Specialist (BOCES) will be responsible for working collaboratively with staff and administrators on implementing behavior support practices; including but not limited to behavior observation/monitoring, behavior consultations and behavior interventions. Serves as primary contact to staff for behavior related reporting, data collection and training and assessment tracking. Works with the building principal on the development of behavioral systems within the Special Education Division, including the development and implementation of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), website for staff and families on behavioral resources and targeted professional development and consultation on classroom management plans. Works under general supervision of the Director of Special Education. Does other related work, as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts student consultations to advise on behavior support practices.

• Serves as a member of the BOCES Intake Team to review applications for students to BOCES programs.

• Designs, implements and monitors behavior interventions for students with disabilities.

• Prepares written reports as needed to outside psychiatric professionals/community agencies regarding behavioral concerns of students with disabilities.

• Maintains data on the effectiveness of behavior interventions for specific students and types of programs within the Division.

• Conducts classroom observations to support behavior related management and instruction.

• Conducts functional behavioral assessments and design, implements and monitors behavior intervention plans.

• Oversees implementation fidelity of FBA/BIP which includes embedded professional development to staff.

• Prepares reports for the Committee on Special Education on the results of Functional Behavioral Assessments including recommendations for Behavioral Intervention Plans.

• Serves as a member of the Committee on Special Education for students with behavioral concerns.

• Provides teacher-coaching and support related to classroom management.

• Collects and analyzes data to advise on behavioral practices across the district.

• Provides training to staff on positive behavioral interventions, data collection and progress monitoring of behaviors.

• Comprehensive knowledge of the role of school administrators, teachers, social workers, school counselors and psychologists related to school improvement.

• Thorough knowledge of student/youth assessment, behavior and classroom management systems;

• Thorough knowledge on the behavioral impact of mental health issues, autism, brain injuries and developmental disabilities.

• Working knowledge of Education Law, Rules and Regulations.

• Ability to organize tasks and set priorities.

• Ability to relate to and support program staff;

• Ability to train staff on behavior data collection and analysis.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Ability to work with families on positive behavior plans for students with disabilities.

• Ability to remain current in educational research on behavior analysis and management.

Job Qualifications

CERTIFIED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid New York State certification as a School Psychologist or Special Education/Students with Disabilities.

• Experience working with children/adolescents with a variety of psychiatric and/or behavioral disorders.

• Experience developing Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Improvement Plans and positive behavioral supports.

• Experience on working collaborative with staff and administrators on interventions to support student behavior.

• Experience training staff on behavior data collection and analysis.

• Administrative certification helpful but not required.

OR

CIVIL SERVICE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a Master’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, Behavioral Sciences or Behavior Analysis and three (3) years of experience working with children/adolescents with a variety of psychiatric and/or behavioral disorders including developing functional behavioral assessments, behavior improvement plans and positive behavioral supports, including or supplemented by one (1) year of experience in training on behavior data collection and analysis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: At time of application, must hold certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Must be maintained throughout employment.

The selected applicant will be subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check in accordance with SAVE Legislation effective July 1, 2001.

Candidates will not have to take an exam for this title . This is a NY HELPS (Hiring Emergency Limited Placement Statewide) Program designated title. NY HELPS is a temporary program designed to help local government employers address current staffing issues. Traditionally, the titles filled under the NY HELPS Program required job candidates to compete in a competitive exam to be considered for employment. For the duration of the program, this title will be classified as non-competitive and categorized as a HELPS Program position. At the close of the program, this position will revert to competitive class status. Employees occupying positions filled through the HELPS Program will be granted competitive class status without the need to participate in a competitive exam.

Civil Service Title: Behavior Specialist

Job Number: 2026-256