2025-26 - 1.0 Behavior Specialist - Student Support - One Year Only - Open Until Filled

North Thurston Public Schools • Lacey, WA

1d

About The Position

The Behavior Specialist will work with a special focus on the needs of students with significant behavioral challenges who may or may not be qualified for special education. This individual will collaborate with school administrators, counselors, and psychologists as well as members of Student Support Teams at individual buildings to provide support to students, school staff and parents in the development of a behavioral program for individual students that will promote a positive school climate and a successful learning environment. The Behavior Specialist will be responsible for students with both strategic and intensive behavioral needs within a Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) framework and will be required to participate in the planning and implementation of research-based interventions selected as part of the district's PBIS Tiers 2 and Tier 3 programs. Additionally, the Behavior Specialist will work with school teams to develop an FBA and BIP for individual students and provide implementation support and monitoring. A minimum of five years of successful experience as a special education teacher, school psychologist, or related field in planning and delivering behavioral interventions for school-based youth with significant behavioral challenges is required. The District represents a diverse community with a population of approximately 40% students with diverse backgrounds. We seek an individual who has successful experience in working with culturally diverse families and communities. The selected candidate must demonstrate a commitment to strengthening community engagement and communication with the District’s diverse populations.

Requirements

• A minimum of five years of successful experience as a special education teacher, school psychologist or a BCBA with school experience in planning and delivering behavioral interventions for school-based youth with significant behavioral challenges.
• Documented successful experience working in a variety of instructional settings with students with significant behavioral challenges and/or special education populations in one-on-one settings in addition to small and large group instruction.
• Valid Washington Teaching Certificate with P-3 and/or K-12 Special Education endorsement, ESA as a school psychologist, or related endorsement.
• Master's degree in Special Education or a related field.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and automobile for on the job use.
• Must be knowledgeable regarding Positive Behavioral Intervention Support.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of and experience in evidence-based strategies for working with students with significant behavioral challenges.
• Experience in setting up and using data monitoring systems for behavioral management of students with severe behavioral challenges.
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and development of Behavioral Intervention Plans for students in preschool through age 21.
• Experience in coaching school-based staff in behavioral strategies.
• Experience in providing professional development to teachers and other school staff.
• Documented competence in working with students with intensive behavioral needs in a school setting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current strategies in the field of behavioral intervention with school aged children and youth.
• Demonstrated ability to use conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of current special education program state and federal regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to relate in a positive way with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, facilitate, and implement meaningful professional development activities.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with clarity.
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, administrators, and support personnel in a team approach to solving individual student behavior problems.
• Ability to maintain high ethical standards throughout all duties.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity of students, staff, parents, and community.
• Bilingual skills.
• Ability to support and value the efforts of ongoing cultural community projects and events.
• Must model and maintain exemplary punctuality and attendance.

Responsibilities

• Provides behavioral support and training to teachers, children, and staff.
• Responsible for the delivery of a structured environment that includes the use of diverse evidence-based strategies for the support of students with behavioral needs.
• Conduct functional behavioral assessments and design, implement and monitor behavior intervention plans for individual students.
• Plans and supports implementation of the essential components of an instructional program for students with behavioral needs to include: early intervention, predictability and structure, functional analysis of behaviors, development of behavior intervention plans and systematic data monitoring.
• Provides support for the development of individualized student and family-centered educational plans in collaboration with school teams and district administrators.
• Works as a member of the district’s Behavior Team and with members of school teams to assess student needs, determine appropriate interventions, set up appropriate progress monitoring plans, analyze student data and complete Functional Behavioral Assessments with Behavior Intervention Plans in order to provide appropriate behavioral supports for students.
• Trains and coaches staff in behavioral strategies around conflict and crisis management, anger control and goal-setting.
• Manage assaultive behaviors in alignment with District approved protocols, policies, and applicable laws.
• Assists in the creation of a Transition Support program to ensure that students receive skills necessary for successful full-time re-entry in general education classrooms and for transition to district middle or high schools.
• Provides crisis response and management for students who are experiencing significant behavioral and emotional challenges.
• Keeps appropriate records and inform administration and staff of student or family contacts.
• Training and supervision of Behavior Associates.
• Required to follow Board policies and stay abreast of updates and changes.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employees who are anticipated to work 630 hours during the school year (September 1 through August 31) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, long term disability and basic life insurance benefits.
• North Thurston Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).
• Eligible employees are required to be a member of the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems Plan.
• Employees also have the ability to participate in tax deferred 403(b) and 457 Deferred Compensation Plans (DCP).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time