Behavior Specialist

Full-Time and Permanent; 7.5 Hours/Day; 220 Days/Year; 11 Months/Year

This position is responsible for assisting teachers in designing and providing classroom and behavioral supports for students who may be experiencing behaviors that impede academic success.

• Must possess a Bachelor's Degree or higher in education, special education, school counseling, school social work, psychology, behavior analysis, or a related field. Must also possess a Collegiate Professional Certificate or Postgraduate Professional Certificate from the Virginia Department of Education or a license from the Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Medicine as a Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) or Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA).
• Must possess instructional knowledge of crisis intervention strategies, ability to apply a gradually progressive system of verbal and non-verbal strategies to effectively de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.
• Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral assessment, behavioral principles and strategies.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of various methods of data collection and subsequent analysis and interpretation for data to drive appropriate behavioral interventions.
• Ability to recognize mental health concerns and be able to refer individuals for further assistance as needed
• Ability to conduct and interpret functional behavioral assessments in the development of effective behavior intervention plans.
• Must be able to maintain frequent, meaningful parental communication and develop proactive partnerships between the student/parent and school district to support academic achievement and pro-social behaviors.
• Act as a positive role model for students and model professional and ethical standards.
• Work in a collegial and collaborative manner with peers, school personnel and the school community to promote and support the mission and goals of the school division and abide by all school division policies and procedures.
• Ability to develop and present ideas effectively, orally and in written form; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school administrators and general public.

• Develop specific intervention plans for students on their caseloads and assist in their implementation, including using appropriate resources and technology to promote development of critical thinking, problem solving, and pro-social behavior in students.
• As a district resource, the behavior specialist may work in an individual building or may support multiple buildings.
• Provide professional development for staff on well-proven research-based strategies that foster classroom environment conducive to promoting student achievement.
• Assist teachers in the identification and development of individualized behavior interventions intended to change behaviors and increase academic success using evidence-based strategies.
• Collect data regarding student behaviors and recommend appropriate intervention to develop responsible thinking and decision-making skills in students.
• Assist families and school staff in accessing community resources.
• Work with families to refer students to internal and external mental health supports when appropriate.
• Provide support and informational workshops to parents.
• Assure that all internal communication is complete and effective.
• Keep principals, teachers, and other staff informed of progress, incidents, and concerns.
• Complete required paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Student Wellness or other appropriate administrators.