Behavior Specialist

About the role

The Behavior Specialist provides professional learning, direct support, and consultation to school staff and families to support students with complex behavioral health needs. This role involves conducting functional behavior assessments, developing and implementing behavior intervention and fade plans, and ensuring strategies aligned with culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices and principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Responsibilities

• Provide professional learning and conduct functional assessments of behavior for students with complex behavioral health support needs in accordance with both Federal and State laws and regulations.
• Develop materials and provide resources for professional learning to administrators, educators, paraeducators, and parents/guardians in effective, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed behavioral support strategies.
• Plan and oversee the development and implementation of programs, policies, and best practices related to instruction including the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for students with disabilities.
• Participate as an evaluation/IEP team member in comprehensive evaluation, review, and re-evaluation processes as appropriate.
• Assist district staff with the development and implementation of behavior support plans, and effective strategies for students with disabilities and behavioral support needs.
• Provide coaching and assistance to certificated and classified staff in the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans.
• Develop and assist in implementing fade plans for students with 1:1 support.
• Collaborate with district personnel, families, and IEP Team members to design and implement positive behavioral support strategies.
• Provide instruction and support directly to students with complex behavioral support needs.
• Assist district staff with supporting students who are transitioning from alternative programs to regular school programs.
• Collect data and prepare a variety of reports to document case history, assessments, and intervention.
• Travel from site to site and/or perform to provide direct intervention, consultation, and collaboration for students and families.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect children, staff, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Provide supervision of registered behavior technicians working 1:1 with students with complex behavioral support needs.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and supportive attitude in all settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus three years' experience working as a behavior specialist or related field preferred.
• Experience conducting functional behavior assessments and writing behavior support plans for students with behavioral support needs.
• Experience designing and implementing training around behavioral support using ABA principles and research-based practices.
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Certification; WA State Educational Support Associate (ESA) License or willingness to obtain one.
• Willingness to obtain certification in trauma informed de-escalation strategies.

Skills

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of best practices and laws governing behavioral support for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of designing, implementing, and maintaining skills-based treatment protocols.
• Knowledge of training and/or experience in trauma-informed practices, adverse childhood experiences, and neuro-biological basis of behavior.
• Communicating effectively, orally and in writing.
• Navigating common challenges to effectively meet customer service needs.
• Complying with applicable district, local, State, and federal laws, as well as policies and practices.
• Applying sound judgment, critical thinking and decision making.
• Creating practical solutions to a range of issues, helping to meet both immediate and long-term needs of the District.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Listening to and understanding information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Maintaining confidentiality and taking initiative.
• Using computer hardware and software, including applications.
• Managing work time and tasks efficiently.
• Leading, guiding, and coordinating others and interacting respectfully with a variety of partners.
• Gathering, analyzing, and sharing data with various partners and maintaining confidentiality.
• Taking initiative and scheduling activities; leading, guiding, and coordinating others.
• Serving the varied needs of people with cultural sensitivity and relevance using an equity and inclusion lens.