Behavior Specialist

As assigned by Special Education Director

Primary Purpose:

Provide support and training for teachers, staff, and parents to address and manage students with challenging behaviors.

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree from accredited university


Valid Texas teaching certificate with required special education endorsements for assignments preferred


Certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and/or Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), or licensed and a Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology or other related area preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of special needs of students


Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individual Education Plan (IEP) goal setting and implementation


Knowledge of behavior and social skill intervention techniques and methodology


Ability to work with students with pervasive developmental disabilities


Ability to develop and deliver training to adult learners


Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Three (3) years of experience as a behavioral specialist, in related social work or psychology, or in work related to the certified field. Experience working with students including implementing behavior management strategies.

Instructional and Program Management

1. Collaborate with administrators and teachers to design and develop research based behavioral intervention plans (BIP), provide support to instructional staff in implementing BIPs, and classroom management strategies.
2. Monitor the effectiveness of behavior intervention plans and recommend changes as needed.
3. Conduct functional behavioral assessment (FBA) based on observation of students in school, home, and community environments. Work with school staff and parents in teaching socially acceptable behaviors to students based on individual needs.
4. Participate in admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee meetings. Work collaboratively with parents, teachers, and other staff members to ensure success in meeting individual educational plan (IEP) goals.
5. Manage student behavior and administer discipline including intervening in crisis situations and physically restraining students as necessary according to IEP.
6. Assist teachers with lesson planning, lesson modeling, classroom management, and behavior management.
7. Develop and maintain effective behavioral management and intervention techniques with individual and/or groups of students and provide assistance in meeting educations, occupational, and personal needs.
8. Provide individual and small group activities designed to improve interpersonal relationships and social skills for students attending an Alternative Education Program (AEP).
9. Participate in the Response to Intervention (RtI) process and Early Intervention Team (EIT) meetings to address academic and behavioral issues with identified students.
10. Conference with parents, administrators, and teachers concerning school and student issues.
11. Conduct home visits as needed.

Training and Staff Development

1. Identify staff development needs, develop and present training, and coach campus personnel to continually develop and enhance behavioral assessment and intervention skills.
2. Responsible for providing training and support to district staff in the implementation of approved behavior intervention strategies, including de-escalation techniques and the safe use of restraint in accordance with state guidelines and district procedures.
3. Provide behavior management training for parents as needed.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Pursue continuous improvement and growth in knowledge of behavior intervention strategies, methodologies, and analysis.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment


Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting


Motion: Frequent walking


Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non-ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment


Environment: Work inside; may work outside; regular exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards


Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours