DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Behavior Specialist will be responsible for working collaboratively with staff and administrators on implementing behavior support practices; including but not limited to behavior observation/monitoring, behavior consultations and behavior interventions. Serves as primary contact to staff for behavior related reporting, data collection and training and assessment tracking. Works with the building principal on the development of behavioral systems within the Special Education Division, including the development and implementation of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), website for staff and families on behavioral resources and targeted professional development, and consultation on classroom management plans. Works under general supervision of the Director of Special Education. Does other related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES (Illustrative only):
• Conducts student consultations to advise on behavior support practices;
• Serves as a member of the Intake Team to review applications for students;
• Designs, implements and monitors behavior interventions for students with disabilities;
• Prepares written reports as needed to outside psychiatric professionals/community agencies regarding behavioral concerns of students with disabilities;
• Maintains data on the effectiveness of behavior interventions for specific students and types of programs within the Division;
• Conducts classroom observations to support behavior related management and instruction;
• Conducts functional behavioral assessments and design, implements and monitors behavior intervention plans;
• Oversees implementation fidelity of FBA/BIP which includes embedded professional development to staff;
• Prepares reports for the Committee on Special Education on the results of Functional Behavioral Assessments including recommendations for Behavioral Intervention Plans;
• Serves as a member of the Committee on Special Education for students with behavioral concerns;
• Provides teacher-coaching and support related to classroom management;
• Collects and analyzes data to advise on behavioral practices across the district;
• Provides training to staff on positive behavioral interventions, data collection and progress monitoring of behaviors.
• Performs related work, as required.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Comprehensive knowledge of the role of school administrators, teachers, social workers, school counselors and psychologists related to school improvement; Thorough knowledge of student/youth assessment, behavior and classroom management systems; Thorough knowledge on the behavioral impact of mental health issues, autism, brain injuries and developmental disabilities; Working knowledge of Education Law, Rules and Regulations; Ability to organize tasks and set priorities; Ability to relate to and support program staff; Ability to train staff on behavior data collection and analysis; Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to work with families on positive behavior plans for students with disabilities; Ability to remain current in educational research on behavior analysis and management; Cultural sensitivity
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Possession of a Master’s degree* in Psychology, Special Education, Behavioral Sciences or Behavior Analysis and three (3) years of experience working with children/adolescents with a variety of psychiatric and/or behavioral disorders including developing functional behavioral assessments, behavior improvement plans and positive behavioral supports, which shall have included one (1) year of experience in training on behavior data collection and analysis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AT TIME OF APPOINTMENT:
• Must hold certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and maintain certification throughout employment.
NOTE: *Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.