Behavior Specialist- Middle School

Ledyard Middle School is seeking a Behavior Specialist. The Middle School Behavioral Specialist is a specialized instructional support position responsible for providing intensive behavioral and social-emotional interventions for students whose needs may exceed general classroom support. The Behavior Specialist works as a team member with teachers, counselors, school social workers and other personnel to establish positive student contacts that develop appropriate and positive behavior enabling students to succeed.

This role works under the supervision of the building administration. This is a 10 month position, scheduled for 32.5 hours a week and follows the Ledyard Public Schools' calendar.

• Supports behavioral interventions in a safe and secure environment for students.
• Respond to behavioral challenges using determined interventions and requesting assistance as needed following protocol.
• Participate in the implementation of behavioral prevention and management strategies individualized to student needs
• Communicate relevant behavior information and suggested modifications proactively and consistently with the appropriate staff members.
• Demonstrate sound judgement, critical thinking and decision making
• Provide direct, high-intensity behavioral support for students with chronic or significant behavioral needs in both general and special education settings.
• Implement and monitor Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) aligned with IEPs, 504 Plans, and MTSS interventions, in compliance with IDEA and Connecticut special education regulations.
• Data collection to support Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Serve as a primary responder for behavioral escalations, utilizing approved de- escalation and crisis intervention techniques consistent with district policy and state guidance.
• Reinforce replacement behaviors, emotional regulation strategies, and social skills to support student independence and self-management.
• Serve in a consultative and leadership role, providing guidance and modeling for teachers and paraprofessionals regarding behavior supports and classroom. management strategies.
• Participate in PPT/IEP meetings, student support team meetings, and behavior planning meetings as a behavioral resource.
• Maintain detailed behavioral documentation required for special education compliance, progress monitoring, and district reporting.
• Monitor student progress and recommend adjustments to interventions based on data.
• Establish and maintain good rapport with students, staff and community members.
• Other relevant duties assigned by administrator

• Two years of college credit or an associate's degree required, Bachelor's degree preferred in education, psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience supporting students with significant behavioral, emotional, or social-emotional needs, particularly at the middle school level.
• Training or experience in trauma-informed practices, FBAS/BIPs, and crisis intervention, data collection, and deescalation strategies preferred.
• Ability to exercise professional judgment and sound decision-making in complex situations.
• Experience working in a school setting preferred
• Experience addressing the social/emotional needs of middle school age children preferred
• Strong interpersonal, communication and technology skills

Fingerprinting / background check is a condition of employment, and at the applicant's expense.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Ledyard Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, protective hairstyles, alienage, ancestry, age, disability or any other basis prohibited by law.