Behavior Specialist

Starting rate: $20/hour. Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12.

About the role

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Behavior Specialist to join our award-winning Special Education team. This position focuses on guiding and assisting with school-wide classroom implementation of the positive behavior support program, increasing positive student behaviors. The role emphasizes proactive strategies for challenging behaviors and immediate crisis response using CPI strategies, behavioral contracts, and interventions documented in students' behavioral intervention plans.

Responsibilities

• Implement targeted individual, group, and system-wide interventions to enhance positive academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and independent outcomes for students.
• Reinforce positive student behavior, redirect negative behaviors, and model effective behavioral strategies for staff.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records related to student behavior strategies (SBS) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
• Collect, analyze, and chart behavioral data to monitor student progress and inform instructional practices in collaboration with IEP teams.
• Provide practical support and guidance to classroom staff in monitoring individual student behaviors and implementing effective class-wide behavior management systems.
• Apply applied behavior analysis principles under the direction of a board-certified behavior analyst to improve student outcomes and proactively address disruptive behaviors.
• Conduct detailed behavioral observations essential for developing functional behavior assessments and creating individualized behavior intervention plans.
• Assist teachers with preparation and execution of instructional activities, supervising students, and supporting classroom management tasks.
• Provide responsive and effective crisis intervention by employing de-escalation techniques, prioritizing safety, and acting as a first responder to minimize disruptions.
• Complete thorough documentation of behavioral incidents and related reports, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies.
• Adhere strictly to universal precautions and emergency protocols, including CPR, First Aid, and procedures for blood-borne pathogens.
• Identify, report, and address potential safety hazards, actively contributing to the site's safety committee.
• Actively attend and participate in team meetings, clinical supervision, staff meetings, teacher collaboration sessions, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay informed about current behavioral principles, strategies, and educational policies.
• Assist in supervising students during school-related activities, including field trips, bus duties, lunch supervision, playground monitoring, and transportation support.
• Travel among multiple site locations during the school day to provide direct classroom support as requested by the Program Director.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned to promote continuous program excellence and organizational improvement.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with passage of basic skills test.
• Associate's degree or higher in a closely related field of study highly preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a registered behavior technician (RBT) credential preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience providing behavioral instruction, guidance, and/or support to children, preferably in an alternative, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders, and/or other related disabilities.
• Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA), including functional behavior assessment (FBA), positive behavior interventions and support (PBIS), and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) preferred.
• Proficiency in motivating students and having critical conversations that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in emergency situations and make independent decisions.
• Solid motivational skills and willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and new initiatives.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology, including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• Free Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• Free Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company-Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development

Pay

$20/hour.

Schedule

School hours and paid holiday schedule.