SY 23-24 BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST - SPECIAL EDUCATION (#3955)

Summary Description of Classification:

Under direction of the PEC Director, the Special Education Behavior Specialist will assess, support and teach children with disabilities who exhibit behaviors that impede their overall progress.  The Special Education Behavior Specialist will use a variety of assessments and specially designed instruction such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to ensure the students gain skills in academics, socialization, and communication with the goal of building independence in all areas of their lives.  The Special Education Behavior Specialist will conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments and assist IEP teams in developing Behavior Intervention Plans to address the needs of students.  The Special Education Behavior Specialist will also observe in classrooms and provide recommendations to staff regarding environmental and structural changes that are needed to support the students in being successful.

Minimum Qualification Standards

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

1. Knowledge of human behavior and research based interventions to change behavior.
2. Knowledge of federal, state, and district rules, regulations, and policies related to special education
3. Experience as a highly effective special education teacher.
4. Ability to conduct functional behavioral assessments and develop behavior intervention plans.
5. Ability to work collaboratively with teams to identify student and classroom needs.
6. Ability to work collaboratively with other members of a school or department to accomplish common goals.
7. Ability to train, motivate, and coach staff.
8. Ability to collect and analyze data efficiently and effectively.
9. Ability to collaborate with staff in implementing specially designed instruction, accommodations, and effective data collection tools.
10. Ability to train staff in topics related to special education, behavior intervention, autism, assessing behavior, etc.
11. Ability to work independently while setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
12. Skilled at positive and effective communication with students, parents, and staff.
13. Skilled at working with a diverse student population of students with disabilities.

Education, Training and Experience:

1. Master’s degree or above is required.
2. ABA Therapist preferred.
3. Must possess (or meet qualifications for) Georgia educational certification in Special Education (T-5 or above).
4. Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience as a classroom teacher is required.
5. Minimum of two (2) years experience with ABA implementation

Certificate and License Requirements:

1. T-5 in Special Education.
2. Must be BCBA Certified or obtain certification within designated time.

Physical Demands: Be able to actively manage all aspects of a Special Education classroom.

Special Requirements: Additional hours beyond the school day, meetings and other assigned duties.

Paid Overtime (Y/N): No

Duties and Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Special Education Behavior Specialist shall be those assigned to him/her by the PEC Director. While specific duties may vary according to the need of each school, the duties of the Special Education Behavior Specialist  may include the following:

1. The Special Education Behavior Specialist will assess, support and teach children with disabilities who exhibit behaviors that impede their overall progress.
2. Collects and analyzes data to develop and implement specially designed instructional programs using research based interventions such as ABA techniques
3. Uses a variety of assessments and specially designed instruction such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to ensure the students gain skills in academics, socialization, communication with the goal of building independence in all areas of their lives.
4. Conducts Functional Behavioral Assessments and assist IEP teams in developing Behavior Intervention Plans to address the needs of students.
5. Determines if student instructional needs require ABA implementation
6. Determines what the purpose of students' behaviors and develops instructional plan to decrease inappropriate behavior.
7. Determines the fidelity of implementation and the effectiveness of instructional interventions and accommodations.
8. Coordinates, implements and ensures training of specific staff on behavior techniques and assessment, data collection, ABA and other special education topics
9. Develop, coordinate, and oversee implementation of students' ABA programs
10. Consults with staff implementing IEPs and ABA regarding behavior plans, accommodations, specially designed instruction
11. Actively participates in IEP Team meetings
12. Communicates frequently with students, staff, parents and administrative team
13. Consults and assists inclusion teachers in meeting the behavioral needs of students within the general and special education settings.
14. Administers and interprets standardized and informal assessments and writes assessment reports, academic progress summaries and other needed reports defined by student IEP teams or Program for Exceptional Children Department
15. Strives to maintain and improve professional competence.
16. Assists in the preparation of reports, records. Lists and other paperwork as required.
17. Attends staff meetings and severs on committees as required.
18. Projects a professional image and decorum.
19. Demonstrates regular and punctual attendance.
20. Participates in professional growth opportunities through workshops, conferences, college course work, and professional workshops, conferences, college course work, and professional leadership organizations.
21. Maintains current knowledge of applied behavior analysis techniques, research, etc..
22. Performs related duties as required or assigned by the PEC Director.

SALARY/TERMS/BENEFITS:
1.  195 day work year.
2.  Salary based on certification and experience; placement on the Georgia Annual Salary Schedule and position supplement(s).
3.  Excellent benefits package (including health insurance; dental, vision, and life insurance; employee assistance program); personal and sick leave; membership in Teachers' Retirement System.

The Bibb County School District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation so long as the accommodation does not create an undue financial hardship for the district.