Behavior Support Specialist

Pending Board Approval 2025-2026

The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) is a critical part of Michigan’s education system serving the Greater Kalamazoo region and provides specialized services to schools and communities and optimizes resources by centralizing innovative programs and services. We partner with school districts and the broader community to offer essential programs including early childhood education, special education, career learning , and educator development, ensuring that learners of all ages receive the support they need.

KRESA is looking for a Behavior Support Specialist. This role is crucial in PBIS structure and implementation. Collaborate with teachers and other school team members to identify behavioral needs and create individualized strategies based on them.

We are currently seeking a Behavior Support Specialist in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The essential responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs), in collaboration with each student’s prospective school support team, based on Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), to address challenging behaviors.
• Facilitate Functional Behavior Assessments with teachers, parents/guardians, and other professionals to gather information and determine the function(s) of the behavior(s) for students identified with complex behavioral support needs.
• Participate in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings (as needed) and contribute to the development of IEP goals related to behavior, as needed.
• Oversee the program's behavior crisis support procedures, response protocols, and implementation in coordination with other school professionals (i.e. School Social Workers and Administration/Leadership)
• Stay current with research and best practices in the field of behavior support.
• Administer professional development regarding behavior management techniques to ensure consistency in implementation across the program.
• Serve as a continuous resource and consultant for teachers and staff regarding behavioral strategies and interventions.
• Provide direct/indirect support to students with active PBSPs to model strategies and interventions documented in the student’s plan.
• Establish a system of ongoing data collection and analysis to monitor student progress.
• Conduct behavioral observations and fidelity checks to ensure behavior support plans are being implemented with consistency and fidelity.
• Assign duties, based on student and staff need, to the program’s Behavior Technician(s), in conjunction with their direct supervisor, to bolster behavior support implementation and promote student progress.
• Coordinate regular PBSP Review meetings to report on student progress, assess current needs, obtain feedback from professionals implementing the plan, and adjust interventions if necessary.
• Communicate regularly with all points of contact influential to a student’s behavioral health (i.e. parents/guardians, classroom staff, other school professionals, community resources, and the student themselves)

Other Skill & Abilities:

• Embraces and supports KRESA philosophies related to diversity, inclusiveness, and anti-racism
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from a wide range of cultures
• Ability to discuss cultural differences with colleagues and clients
• Ability to assess one's own strengths and limitations or challenges and integrate this understanding into interpersonal interactions
• Ability to write reports, correspondence, and documentation
• Ability to use information from data collection in decision making
• Ability to efficiently use computer and applicable software
• Effectively present information in front of groups.
• Attitude of acceptance and esteem for students
• Ability to communicate effectively including listening
• Develops and maintains atmosphere of teamwork
• Maintains confidentiality
• Adapts to frequent changes in the work environment

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, social work, or a related field (master's degree preferred).
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities or special needs, particularly in behavior support roles.
• Knowledge of behavior management techniques, positive behavior interventions, and strategies for students with diverse needs.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Ability to collect and analyze data to inform decision-making and adjust interventions as necessary.
• Understanding of special education laws, regulations, and best practices related to behavior support.

Preferred Skills:

• Certification in behavior analysis (e.g., BCBA, BCABA) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with assistive technology and augmentative communication devices.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

10-month calendar position in job grade 17 with an annual rate of pay between $45,050 and $99,371.

KRESA employees enjoy a comprehensive benefit offering that includes health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits through Michigan’s Office of Retirement Services, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness and wellness incentives – all within a supportive and caring culture centered around our values of collaboration, innovation, compassion, integrity, and respect.

Personal Attributes:

• Patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support the growth and development of students with behavioral challenges.
• Adaptability and flexibility to meet the changing needs of students and school environments.
• Dedication to promoting a positive and inclusive school culture.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Work Environment:

• The position is based in a school settings within Kalamazoo county, requiring interaction with students, teachers, administrators, and parents/guardians.
• Occasional out of county travel may be required for meetings, training, or collaboration with outside agencies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Physical Demands:

To perform the job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

A Great Place to Live and Work

Kalamazoo was recently recognized as a great place to live in the 2024 50 Best Places to Live roundup by Money.com. Kalamazoo was noted for its abundant family-friendly activities and appreciation for artisan-crafted goods, as well as the Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship for each Kalamazoo Public School resident graduate that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education.

Notice of Non-discrimination: It is the policy of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency that no discriminating practices based on race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or sexual identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category be allowed during any program, activity, service or in employment. The following position at Kalamazoo RESA has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy: Executive Director of Human Resources. Contact information: 269-250-9200, 1819 E. Milham Ave, Portage, MI 49002.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,050.00 - $99,371.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Portage, MI 49002 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Portage, MI 49002: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,050 - $99,371