Behavioral Specialist

Purpose and Scope

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

The essential function of the position within the organization is to assist in the prevention and intervention of disruptive and at-risk behavior of students by facilitating behavioral services to students, families and educational staff. The position is responsible for coordinating diagnostic, education and therapeutic services; assisting teachers with classroom management skills; providing on-going and crisis counseling and assistance; maintaining records and reports as required and performing related professional and administrative work as assigned.  The position works independently, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

Essential Job Functions

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

Plans for the diagnostic, educational and therapeutic service needs of students with emotional/behavior disabilities.

Design, implement, monitor and follows up on behavioral intervention/prevention strategies.

Identifies and maintains cooperative working relationships with resources and agencies providing services and treatment for children with behavioral/mental health issues.

Provides professional development and assistance to teachers of students with emotional/behavioral disabilities in order to strengthen classroom management ability, including but not limited to teaching positive behavior support and verbal de-escalation skills, providing education in mental health issues and medical management issues; collaborates with specialists in other areas to provide comprehensive assistance to teachers and staff members.

Observes and reports on classroom management style of teachers and appropriateness of activities provided to ensure provision of a safe and emotionally supportive environment.

Facilitates planning meetings of involved teachers, social workers and clinicians as needed.

Observes students within the parameters of the classroom/school environment that have been referred because of disruptive or unusual behavior; suggests environmental changes for teachers to institute and implements interventions for students as needed.

Responds to crisis situations in a safe and caring manner.

Gathers information/data to support periodic and special reports documenting activities for areas of responsibility.

Performs clerical/administrative tasks such as preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone.

Attends or conducts staff or other professional meetings to exchange information; attends professional classes, workshops or conferences to improve professional skills and maintain certifications as required.

Performs other duties as assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires education or training equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in school psychology, psychology, social work or other related field.  Also requires two years of experience. (PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED)

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED: Requires a valid state driver's license.

Degree Equivalency Formula:

Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.

Master’s Degree=6 years plus required years of experience. 

Compensation: 36624 to 52672 (USD)