Behavior Specialist

Behavior Specialist

Full-time

Grade Level: Middle

Start Date: Immediate opening

Department: School-based Support

Compensation: USD 50,000 - USD 55,000 - yearly

Company Description

KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools in under-resourced communities throughout the United States. There are currently 281 locally-run KIPP regions in more than 25 states and Washington, DC; nationally, KIPP serves approximately 120,000 students. More than 80 percent of KIPP students come from low-income households, and more than 95 percent are African American or Hispanic/Latino. Through high expectations for students and staff, world-class teachers and principals, more time in school, autonomy over budget and curriculum, and a focus on results, KIPP schools prepare traditionally underserved students for success in college and in life. KIPP schools have been widely recognized for their success in doing so, and today, nearly 85% of KIPP alumni nationally have matriculated to college.

All KIPP schools share a core set of operating principles, known as the Five Pillars, that KIPP believes help to lay the foundation for students to perform at the highest academic levels: High Expectations, Choice & Commitment, More Time, Power to Lead, and a Focus on Results.

KIPP Minnesota Public Schools is one of 28 regional locations in a national network of high-performing college-preparatory schools across the nation. KIPP Minnesota was established in 2008, serving grades Kindergarten through 8th on our North Star campus in Minneapolis. KIPP MN vision is that every child grows up to create the future they want for themselves and their communities. Our mission is together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose —college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Job Description

Behavior Support & Intervention

• Conduct and support implement individual treatment plans, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and other prescribed behavioral supports.
• Observe student behavior, intervene promptly, and redirect inappropriate or unsafe behavior using approved strategies.
• Apply evidence-based de-escalation and crisis-prevention techniques to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.
• Assist students in developing age-appropriate self-management skills, including problem solving, decision-making, communication, conflict resolution, anger management, social skills, and recreational skills.
• Provide support during times of increased anxiety, dysregulation, or behavioral escalation, including assisting teachers in establishing a calming environment.
• Provide consultation to IEP teams regarding behavior, skill acquisition, and environmental supports.
• Model and coach staff in implementing evidence-based interventions and de escalation strategies.
• Support crisis-prevention and non-restrictive behavior intervention practices.
• Develop transition strategies and identify barriers to successful school engagement.
• Collaborate with school staff, families, and related service providers to ensure consistent implementation of plans.
• Participate in IEP meetings and provide written and verbal recommendations aligned with evaluation results and student needs.

Instructional & Academic Support

• Provide supplemental tutoring, guided practice, and instructional support activities.
• Assist with planning and implementing structured activities that promote academic engagement, stress reduction, and positive coping strategies.

Documentation & Data Collection

• Maintain accurate written progress notes/logs documenting behavioral support services and interventions provided.
• Collect and record behavioral data to support monitoring and decision-making. Team Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities ∙ Participate in required annual training and ongoing professional development.
• Collaborate with teachers, behavior professionals, and support staff to implement classroom-wide, small-group, and individualized interventions.
• Assist in identifying healthy, constructive strategies for students to relieve stress and develop emotional regulation.
• Communicate effectively with team members regarding student needs, progress, and concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support student programming and school operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in education, counseling, or social work.
• Must have a current Minnesota license in Social Work or School Counseling.
• Experience working with adolescents, including students with disabilities, in an educational setting.
• Demonstrate knowledge and ability to deliver positive behavior intervention and support
• Effective communication and human relations skills
• Knowledge and skills in group facilitation
• Collaborative problem solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Able to attend work regularly and report to work in a timely manner.

Additional Information

Compensation: Salary: $50,000 - $55,000

To establish equitable salary practices; the compensation package is derived from the Regional KIPP Minnesota pay scale and benefits package, which includes medical, dental, life, long-term disability, and retirement benefits and an annual salary review and revision.

How to Apply

We are committed to hiring a diverse, multicultural leadership team and encourage applications from traditionally under-represented backgrounds. Please apply online here. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

KIPP: MN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: KIPP: MN is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all candidates and employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on our business needs, job requirements, and required qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. KIPP: MN will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

I'm interested Privacy Notice