Behavioral Specialist - Special Education 2025-2026

 Behavioral Specialist - Special Education

• Forbes named Mesa Public Schools in their list of 2024 Best Employers in Arizona.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.

Job Summary:

A School Behavior Specialist plays a critical role in promoting positive student behavior, fostering a supportive school climate, and helping students develop the skills needed for academic and social success. They work closely with teachers, parents, administrators, and students to address behavioral challenges and implement strategies that enhance the learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

This section outlines the primary duties and key responsibilities required for this role, detailing the essential tasks and functions necessary to perform the job successfully, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Conduct functional behavioral assessments to identify cause of behavioral challenges and create appropriate intervention plans
• Create, implement, and monitor personalized behavior intervention plans (PBIPs) to meet student needs
• Work collaboratively with teachers, counselors, and parents to support students and provide effective behavior management techniques
• Train school staff on behavior management strategies, de-escalation techniques, and classroom interventions
• Provide immediate support and strategies to manage behavioral crises and ensure a safe school environment
• Monitor and document student progress, analyzing data to refine interventions and measure effectiveness
• Advocate for the needs of students with behavioral challenges and connect them to additional resources or services as needed
• Assists with other assigned duties as appropriate to the area of assignment and Mesa Public Schools. 

Required Qualifications:

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary. 

Education:

• Bachelors degree in relevant field (psychology, education, special ed, social work, or counseling) – (Masters Degree preferred)
• Arizona Special Education teaching certificate
• Training or certification in Applied Behavior Analysis preferred 

Experience:

• Minimum 3-year successful teaching in special education
• Experience in behaviors analysis, behavior modification, or implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
• Course work should include Foundations of special education, behavior management techniques, assessment and evaluation methods, instructional strategies for students with disabilities and inclusive teaching practices
• Prior experience in schools, especially working with students with special needs (preferred) 

Skills & Competencies:

This section outlines the critical skills and competencies required to excel in this role, enabling effective performance, adaptability, and consistent achievement of job responsibilities.

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate.
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community.
• Proficient in conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and developing Behavior Intervention Plan (BIPs)
• Skilled in de-escalation techniques and managing challenging behaviors in high pressure situations
• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret behavioral data to adjust strategies effectively
• Familiarity with IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and 504 plans to ensure compliance in supporting student needs
• A compassionate approach to understanding and addressing the needs of students with behavioral and emotional challenges
• Clear an effective collaboration and communication skills working with teachers, administrators, counselors and parents
• Analytical skills to develop and implement effective solutions for behavior-related issues
• Upholds confidentiality and ethical standards when working with sensitive student information 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements: 

This section outlines the work environment and physical conditions associated with this role. It includes information on whether the job involves working in an office, classroom, or other settings, and if there are physical activities like standing, walking, or lifting. 

• Primarily based in schools, including classrooms, resource rooms, or counseling
• May travel between multiple schools within a district
• May encounter emotionally charged environments due to student outbursts, conflicts, or high stakes problem-solving
• Schedules may include set meetings and routines, situations requiring immediate attention (e.g. behavioral crises) can arise unexpectedly
• Frequent walking between schools and classrooms, as well as standing for extended periods of time during classroom observations
• Occasionally required to perform physical interventions (e.g. restraint techniques) in alignment with training for safety during student crises
• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment up to 20-30 lbs. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:  

Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position.

Salary : $55,386