Instructional Specialist - Crisis and Safety (ODJ Funded) (Multiple Positions)

About the Role

The Crisis and Safety Instructional Specialist supports the implementation of the district's Multi-Tiered Safety and Crisis Response Framework, focusing on preventing student violence against self and others across secondary school buildings. This position serves as a building-based leader responsible for supporting behavioral threat assessment processes, violence prevention initiatives, mental health crisis response protocols, and intervention planning for students exhibiting concerning behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Support effective implementation of building-level threat assessment and intervention processes.
• Support implementation of evidence-based violence prevention initiatives across assigned buildings.
• Assist school personnel in identifying warning signs associated with violence, self-harm, suicidal ideation, behavioral escalation, and other safety concerns.
• Strengthen coordination among schools, law enforcement agencies, mental health providers, and community partners.
• Coordinate and facilitate threat assessment meetings in accordance with district procedures and Ohio H.B. 123 requirements.
• Assist in the identification, assessment, documentation, and monitoring of students exhibiting concerning behaviors or potential risk factors.
• Monitor progress of intervention strategies and communicate updates to appropriate personnel.
• Collaborate with administrators, law enforcement, mental health providers, and district personnel regarding threat assessment cases when appropriate.
• Assist in the professional development and dissemination of training materials and resources.
• Support school personnel in responding to student mental health crises and significant behavioral incidents.
• Assist with post-crisis planning, monitoring, and reintegration processes following significant incidents.
• Coordinate with counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other staff to ensure integrated, whole-child support.
• Maintain regular communication with the Coordinator of Crisis & Safety, Chief of Schools, and building leaders to monitor implementation and needs.
• Measure and evaluate student behavior using assessment tools; assist in interpreting data to improve instruction and management practices.
• Help develop and update the district's behavioral Action Plan.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in education, school counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Valid state licensure or certification in a related educational or school-based mental health field.
• Experience participating in behavioral threat assessment processes.
• Experience in school-based intervention, crisis response, student services, or behavioral support systems.
• Successful direct experience with children exhibiting social, emotional, and behavioral challenges.
• Experience with professional development for teachers and/or other education professionals.
• Ability to design and deliver quality professional development for administrators and teachers.
• Training in threat assessment, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, violence prevention, or related fields.
• Knowledge of youth behavioral health, suicide prevention, and crisis response practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, problem-solve effectively, and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.