The responsibility of the Behavior Specialist is to organize and implement behavioral support programs for students with emotional disabilities or autism and to provide behavioral intervention/management assistance to teachers, parents, and students.  Support and implement the strategies and initiatives (where applicable) outlined in our Organizational Strategic Plan, Boldly Go 2025.  Models the NHREC Strategic Plan values: Equity, Engagement, Experience, Collaboration, Career Readiness, and Empowerment.  Performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Communicate effectively as a team member and participate in a multi-disciplinary team approach, providing support to teachers, students, administrators and parents.

Assist Coordinators/Director in staff development related to evidence-based behavioral interventions for personnel.

Maintain confidentiality of student information and assist personnel in developing and maintaining effective behavioral information and data for students.

Assume additional responsibilities to meet program needs as determined by the Coordinator and Director.

Process critical incidents/crisis situations with classroom staff, providing feedback to staff and administrators.

Attend I.E.P. meetings to address behavioral issues and serve as designee as needed.

Collaborate with Teachers during FBA, BIP development, assist with implementation of BIP as needed, and collaborate with Teacher regarding data and effectiveness of BIP.

Assist in the coordination and direction of student arrival and dismissal - use metal detector and scanner, meet buses, and check students’ possessions.  Contribute to bus improvement ideas, meetings and assist in implementing ideas and suggestions.

Monitor student behavioral data, checking for accurate and complete teacher records of student performance and parent contacts.

Counsel/process with students as needed throughout the day.  Provide crisis intervention as needed: Handle With Care (HWC), conflict resolution, peer mediation and disciplinary conferences.

Assist in training teachers and paraprofessionals and implementing positive behavior interventions (PBIS) and supports in classrooms.

Report to administrator any severely inappropriate student behaviors that require immediate response or disciplinary action.

Implement disciplinary action as directed by Program Coordinator or Program Director.

Attend and participate in support staff meetings.

Participate as needed in re-admit meetings after suspensions.

Assist with implementation and evaluation of social skills instruction for and make recommendations to the Program Coordinator.

Provide guidance/training to staff to insure fidelity of HWC techniques, timeout procedures, counseling techniques and positive interactions with students.

Advise administrators on PBIS system for critical incidents, train staff in use of data base, monitor use of system, recommend modifications and revisions of the system to meet students and program needs.

Provide direction to staff and students in crisis situations.

Respond to Code Calls as needed.

Initiate and participate in parent conferences.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Master’s degree in Special Education, Completion of  a BCBA Certificate Program

At least five years experience in a setting working with students needing intensive learning and behavioral supports, experience working with students with emotional disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and autism.

Must have a VDOE License in Special Education with ED, MR, SPH, or General or Modified Curriculum endorsements.

BCBA or enrolled in BACB approved coursework and pursuing BCBA.