Behavior Specialist

Description

The Behavior Specialist reports to the Assigned School Principal and Senior Director of Support Services and is assigned to an individual school.  The job of Behavior Specialist was established for the purpose/s of effecting positive behavioral change in students; providing supportive interventions to families and/or students; and complying with District policies, regulations and/or procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The following is an explanation of the duties of the Behavior Specialist.  It includes the major highlights of the requirements of the position.   There should be a clear understanding that the duties outlined below are not all encompassing. Additional responsibilities may be assigned to the Behavior Specialist as required. 
2. Acts as liaison with school administrators, teaching and auxiliary staff for the purpose of supporting individual student development goals
3. Administers programs and services for behaviorally or emotionally disturbed students for the purpose of improving self-controlled behavior and decision making within each youth.
4. Assists in developing interventions, functional behavior assessments and behavior plans for the purpose of providing a safe and effective educational environment for students with challenging behaviors.
5. Assists in developing procedures and training materials for district staff involved with students with challenging behaviors for the purpose of enhancing programs for students and ensuring that program operations are in compliance with established guidelines.
6. Conducts workshops, training, in-service presentations, etc. in classroom management techniques and other topics for the purpose of developing skills and establishing effective relationships with behaviorally or emotionally disturbed students.
7. Coordinates handling of child abuse and neglect cases through contact with school staff and outside agency personnel for the purpose of complying with mandated requirements.
8. Participates in a variety of meetings, workshops and committees for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions and remaining knowledgeable with program guidelines.
9. Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

PROFESSIONALISM- Interpersonal/Teamwork

1. Maintains positive and professional relationships with colleagues, children and parents.
2. Contributes as a team member and actively collaborates with others to meet the mission and goals of ASPIRA of PA Charter Schools.

Work Habits

1. Knowledgeable and supportive of ASPIRA of PA Charter Schools policies and procedures, including those in the Policy and Procedure Manual, and implements them consistently.
2. Knowledgeable of laws, regulations, and standards pertinent to his or her work and demonstrates compliance.
3. Demonstrates integrity by striving for safe and effective service delivery, as well as accurate, timely and complete documentation.
4. Contributes to maintaining a ‘Culture of Safety’ for students, parents, colleagues and visitors.
5. Reports to work, as well as all meetings and appointments, in a timely manner.
6. Dresses appropriately and professionally based on scheduled activities of the given day.  Strives to serve as a role model to clients.

Professional Development

1. Participates in individual supervision as scheduled by supervisor.
2. Accepts and follows suggestions, directives, and requests to perform additional duties willingly and flexibly.
3. Consults his or her supervisor or others, as appropriate, for collaborative problem solving.
4. Exercises sound judgment, knowledge, and creativity in decision making.
5. Takes on personal development and building a learning environment.
6. Completes and demonstrates competency in all mandatory trainings as identified by the organization including knowledge of child and adolescent growth and development.
7. Participates in additional trainings as identified in supervision or by external licensing, contractual, and accreditation organizations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A. The Behavior Specialist will work indoors, outdoors, on campus and off campus with frequent stressful situations.

B. There is a 37.5 hour plus work week that includes occasional weekend and evening work.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in job related area preferred, three years’ successful teaching or prior job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibilities in a school setting.