Behavior Intervention Specialist

Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Behavior Intervention Specialist works alongside education and health services to support children who have challenging behaviors. This includes an individual case management approach and the development of support plans for children receiving special needs and social emotional services. Support plans will be developed in collaboration with mental health and disabilities services. 

The Behavior Intervention Specialist is responsible for supporting children with behavioral concerns by completing an assessment, collecting data on the child, working with teachers, center staff and parents to create a plan for each individual child and evaluating the effectiveness of the plan. The plans will be developed as a component of the child’s Social Emotional Support Plan (mental health) and/or the child’s Individual Classroom Plan (disabilities). The Behavior Intervention Specialist will also provide regular training on supporting children with challenging behaviors. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Works closely with the Child Development Services Manager, the Social Emotional Services Manager, the Education Manager, the Child Development Specialist, the Social Emotional Specialist, and the Education Specialist. 
•  Compiles and interprets assessment results to better understand the child’s condition and provides needed supports. 
•  Determines behavior strategies needed to support the child’s function in the program and in the home. 
•  Designs behavioral interventions for children. 
•  Implements support plans. 
•  Coordinates between teachers, special needs assistants, specialists, support staff, and parents to implement behavioral interventions. 
•  Measures goals and objectives of support plans to ensure goals are being met. 
•  Communicates with parents, teachers, special needs assistants, center staff, and support staff regarding child’s progress. 
•  Analyzes the behavioral interventions to determine their success. 
•  Support child in developing self-regulation and develop better behavior choices. 
•  Designs staff and parent trainings, programs and special curriculum to meet the individual needs of children. 
•  Assists teachers, special needs assistants, and parents in facilitating behavioral interventions. 
•  Monitors and adjusts support plans designed for each child. 
•  Maintains records of services provided and behavioral data. 

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.) 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:

•  This position reports directly to the Director of Health Services.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

•  Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Early Childhood Education, Psychology, or related field. 
•  Preference will be given to individuals with ABA experience. 
•  Experience working with children with special needs and challenging behaviors along with experience in Early Childhood Education required. 

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILIITES:

•  Must have an understanding of behavioral characteristics associated with early childhood behavior disorders, autism, intellectual disabilities, trauma exposure, and other behavior issues. 
•  Must have a strong understanding of Early Childhood Education. 
•  Must have a foundation in applied behavior analysis. 
•  Understand instructional methods and early childhood education curriculum. 
•  Must be comfortable providing individual, small group and larger group trainings. 
•  Must have excellent interpersonal skills. 
•  Must be able to handle emotionally charged situations. 
•  Has the ability to train other people to apply behavior management techniques effectively. 
•  Has knowledge of and knows how to work with various support systems that are available in a community. 
•  Must know and understand state and federal laws and regulations associated with special education. 

LICENSES, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATIONS:

•  Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage
•  Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy)
•  Complete 15 hours of in-service / professional development training hours each fiscal year (July-June)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

•  Time will be spent working in centers, classrooms, in children’s homes, and office. 
•  Must be able to travel to different locations usually within a city, county or state. 
•  Must be able to travel to homes to meet with parents or other caregivers. 
•  Must be able to work in a smoke-free environment. 

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

•  Typical Physical & Mental Demands: Requires prolonged sitting with some bending, stooping and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, calculator and other office equipment. 
•  Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with clients and staff. 

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)