BCBA/Behavior Specialist @ West Valley School District

Non-Rep Assignment 

Primary Purpose

The general purpose of this position is to provide students with instruction which enables them to meet their goals and objectives as describe in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). 

The Behavior Specialist will have two primary purposes;

1. Work with students and teams working with those students to provide weekly Behavior services (direct and indirect) as determined by IEP teams.
2. Work with building teams in response to student behavior or in prevention of anticipated situations to develop a plan for the success of the student and oversee the implementation of the plan
1. This may include directing and instructing a Behavior Technician and/or other paraprofessionals.

Directly Responsible to:  Director of Special Services

Education and Experience 

• One of the following is required;
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• Persons working towards their BCBA credentials will be considered
• Successful previous evaluations required.
• Knowledge of common core standards and state assessments is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and positively respond to students, staff, and patrons.   
• Be certified in Safety Care or be willing to complete the Safety Care Specialist training.
• At least two years’ experience creating and implementing behavior plans.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn MTSS strategies at all tiers.

Essential Functions

• Identifies social/behavior skill deficits and helps to develop a plan for student growth.
• Assists teams in creating behavior plans and models implementation of those plans.
• Conducts screenings, observations, interventions and referrals for the purpose of identifying and addressing issues within the assigned student population.
• Educates school staff, students, and parents in intervention methods for the purpose of increasing awareness and identifying specific behavior functions.
• Facilitates groups when needed for specific issues or student populations. These groups may include topics such as bullying, social skills, or other topics.
• Attends “trainer of trainer” trainings to serve as a district resource for district initiatives for behavior strategies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS), and Safety Care.
• Collaborates with professionals from other agencies in the community.
• Responds to inquiries for the purpose of solving problems and providing information and/or referral.
• Maintains a positive attitude and productive learning environment.
• Sets high expectations for student achievement and behavior.
• Adapts curriculum, materials, and teaching techniques to meet the individual needs of students.
• Designs and conducts valid assessments which reflect present levels of performance for use in planning instruction and the development of IEPs.
• Helps to develop IEPs which reflect individual student needs in all domains of need identified by the school psychologist’s evaluation.
• Measures, monitors, and documents student progress in all domains specified on the IEP.
• Prepares progress reports and submits all required paperwork to the special services office in a timely manner  .
• Keeps paperwork legally compliant and current in accordance with district and state mandated timelines.
• Incorporates IEP requirements within students’ lesson plans.
• Supports general education teachers in mainstreaming students in regular classroom settings as appropriate.
• Works closely with other staff including teachers, counselors, and school psychologists to help students maintain satisfactory class work, homework, and behavior.
• Actively participates and collaborates in an instructional team with other special education staff who are serving students with similar educational needs and works cooperatively with classroom teachers.
• Participates in building and special education meetings.
• Effectively supervises and utilizes paraprofessionals – including providing direction, training, and scheduling of duties.
• Provides positive behavioral support.
• Writes and implements behavior plans.
• Develops and implements transition planning with students and families, including the Summary of Performance.
• Provides support and encouragement in preparing students for graduation and understanding the requirements for a West Valley diploma.

* The list of essential functions in this job description is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary by determination of an appropriate administrator and Human Resources. 

 Other Functions

• Possesses strong classroom management skills including developing schedules for students and paraprofessionals and coordinating with classroom teachers
• Must produce a substantial amount of paperwork documenting each student’s progress
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality
• Models appropriate professional behaviors at all times
• Other duties as assigned

 Working Relationships

• Communicates regularly with students, parents/guardians, and teaching staff. 
• Maintains a positive attitude toward staff, students, and parents. 
• Required to deal with a wide range of student behaviors; required to deal with a wide range of disabilities; may occasionally deal with distraught or difficult students. 

 Working Conditions

• The daily work is performed in a classroom/office setting and at various sites within the district. 
• The job incumbent is often required to stand or sit for prolonged periods; be exposed to computer display terminal for prolonged periods; and meet externally imposed and inflexible deadlines. 
• May be required to work outdoors in inclement weather; lift, move, and position students and equipment; supervise students, bus loading/unloading; attend to students’ personal hygiene; may be required to deal with distraught, angry, or hostile individuals; may need to take precautions to avoid exposure to student bodily fluids and cleaning or disinfecting compounds; required to work in non-routine positions for extended periods. 

 Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• A working knowledge in the field of special education.
• Knowledge in a variety of behavior modification techniques.
• Ability to identify and adjust to individual student’s needs
• Challenges students to improve behaviorally and creates a learning environment that is positive for students
• Ability to maintain accurate records
• Knowledge of student behavior and methods to assure proper conduct
• Ability to work successfully in a team context with other staff members
• Believes that all students can learn
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Implements strength-based education
• Ability to be flexible to accommodate changing schedules
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Demonstrated ability to work with students of diverse academic and behavioral needs
• Ability to challenge students academically and to create a learning environment that is positive for students
• Sensitivity to cultural and language differences
• Ability to produce accurate documents using word processing, spreadsheets, and software on both Macintosh and PC computers
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Bilingual Preferred

Working Environment

• The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting (able to lift 50 pounds and assisting in lifting over 50 pounds), carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. 
• Generally the job requires 34% sitting, 33% walking, and 33% standing. 
• The job is performed under a generally hazard free environment and in a clean atmosphere.

Continuing Education/Training 

• Current CPR and First Aid Certificates are required.
• Participation in district and building professional development is required.

Healthcare Benefits (SEBB): (All Employees who work 630 hours per school year are eligible.)

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability

Salary: Varies depending on Qualifications (Certificated staff will be placed on the certificated salary schedule)

Additional Benefits:

• Washington State Retirement (PERS, SERS & TERS)
• Paid Leave:

  - Paid Holiday (260-day employees and bargaining groups that have holidays included within their CBA)

  - Sick Leave

  - Personal Leave

  - Vacation (260-day employees only)

  - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Salary : $45,000 - $68,000