Behavior Support Specialist

Behavior Support SpecialistThe Behavior Support Specialist of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the Superintendent.The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school; it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future.Job Functions:The Behavior Specialist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to collaborate with classroom staff and other professionals to perform functional behavior assessments, develop positive behavior support plans, create data collection systems, ensure treatment effectiveness through data review and analysis, and provide staff training through observation, modeling, role play and performance feedback to ensure treatment fidelity. Additional duties include collaborating with the school psychologist, collaborating with and supporting families to address behavioral concerns, collaborating with all team members, incorporating students' communication plans and specially designed instruction into the behavior support plan, providing professional development as needed, and becoming Safety Care trained.This individual will be open to additional training, such as becoming a certified Safety Care trainer, researching and learning about syndromes and various disabilities to successfully work with a diverse group of students including those with deaf blindness.Complete Functional Behavior AssessmentsDevelop Positive Behavior Support Plans for Individual students, classrooms, and school-wide supportsTrain staff on the implementation of plans and data collectionMonitor student performance and modify plans as neededEnsure all regulations are followed for student safety and to maintain complianceDevelop and implement staff trainingsConsult with IEP team membersAttend IEP meetings as neededProvide support to classroom staff and teachersObtain and maintain certification as a Safety Care Trainer, Therapeutic Options Trainer, or other program that the school uses and train staff throughout the yearWork as a member of IEP TeamsCollaborate with co-workers to support studentsOther duties as assignedMinimum Education and Experience Qualifications:Master's or higher degree from a Board-approved, accredited college or university, including a major course of study in at least one of the following: (1) School, clinical, developmental or counseling psychology. (2) Special education. (3) Social work. (4) Speech therapy. (5) Occupational therapy. (6) Professional counseling. (7) Behavioral analysis.(8) Nursing. (9) Another related field.PA Behavior Specialist LicenseWork at least 2 years in a school setting, experience with children who have mental health concerns and intellectual disabilities, and experience with positive behavior modification techniques.Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) preferred, but will consider other certifications and experienceStrong background in science-based intervention programsExperience with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)Physical Requirements & Work Environment :Lifting: must be able to lift 50-lbs minimum, with assistance. Participate in 2 person lifts.Working Environment : Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors but some outdoor activities may be required.Benefits and Pay:OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant's training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant's training and experience.