Behavior Support Specialist - MaST II

Position:    Behavior Support Specialist

Reports to:   Principals/Head of Special Education/CEO

Qualifications:    

1. Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field
2. Appropriate State of Pennsylvania Department of Education Teaching Certificate in Special Education
3. Behavior Support Consultant (BSC) License through the Board of Medicine required
4. A minimum of 3 years teaching experience, preferably in special education
5. Required background checks and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status
6. Knowledge of behavior 
7. Strong understanding of special education law and code, ability to write comprehensive and legally defensible Individual Educational Programs (IEPs), assist with implementation of intervention strategies, accommodations and modifications of curriculum.  Able to prepare and implement behavior management plans and to communicate to general education teachers how to implement IEPs

Job Overview:   Instruct assigned students in designated subject matter or grade level areas in accordance with the curriculum and/or other educational programs adopted by the Board of Trustees. Provide program recommendations and mentoring to special education teachers in order to maximize learning for children with disabilities.  Coach classroom instructional assistants, Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), and/or para-educators (if applicable).

Behavior Support Specialist Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with administrators and staff in order to provide appropriate support and strategies to the learning community.
2. Act as LEA in SAIL IEP meetings with various professional staff and parents, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is processed, required signatures are provided and ensure parent understanding of the process and purpose of meetings according to law and code.
3. Assist case managers in writing comprehensive goals and objectives, prepare student assessment utilized in Individualized Education Programs, and provide valuable feedback and support to general education teachers.
4. Work directly with elementary students with behavioral and emotional concerns to provide direct intervention and support to the student, teacher, classroom, and learning community.
5. Participate in the Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) team and serve as a direct link between the building and the Special Education Assessment Team for all eligibility determination meetings in relation to evaluations and/or reevaluations.
6. Assist with the maintenance of individual records of all students receiving special education services in order to ensure IDEA compliance.
7. Assist with orientation and in-service training related to special education.
8. Keep informed of legal requirements governing special education issues.
9. Serve as a resource for special needs on a building level.
10. Conduct FBAs
11. Collaborate with special education teachers to create Positive Behavior Support Plans

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Prepare materials for class activities and establish clear objectives according to PA SAS for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
2. Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
3. Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
4. Maintain timely and accurate assignments and assessments, and convey students’ progress to parents and any applicable staff.
5. Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops in order to maintain and improve professional competence.
6. Sponsor extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
7. Adhere to Professional Standard of Conduct including confidentiality, code of ethics and appropriate use of the internet, as outlined in Policy and Procedures manual and Staff Handbook.
8. Follow all approved board of trustee policies including Financial and Purchasing, Attendance, Implementation of RtII and Curriculum Implementation.
9. Perform other duties appropriate to the position and job title.
10. Complete school-mandated technology PD hours.

Terms of Employment: 10 months with mandatory ESY. Contract terms and salary to be determined by the Board of Trustees.

Evaluation:  Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of state law, administrative code, and the Board’s policy on evaluation of the special education teacher.

MaST Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.