Behavior Support Specialist

La Mesa-Spring Valley School District•Spring Valley, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, serves on the District Behavior Team and/or Parent Empowerment Program Team supporting challenging student behavior and implementation of support strategies. Assists in creating training materials and the development of plans related to social emotional learning and behavior. Assists with student data collection and training on data collection techniques. Assists in the implementation of training for staff and families on behavior support strategies. The Behavior Support Specialist (BSS) is the advanced level in the classroom support instruction family. The BSS provides professional development and work guidance to Behavior Intervention Technicians (BIT), Paraprofessional-Special Educations (PPSE), and other staff as requested by the assigned administrator. This position supports students and families with high level strategy technique development and implementation to help prevent challenging student behavior. The BSS conducts analysis of collected data and modifies plans including feedback and ongoing training. The BIT supports the implementation of behavior support strategies as provided by the District Behavior Team. The BIT builds rapport with students on campus and supports referred students to help them calm and return to the classroom setting, while sharing knowledge and skills for the delivery of best practices. The BIT collects data and notes on strategies being implemented and behaviors observed. An examination will be given to establish an eligibility list for the position of Behavior Support Specialist in order to fill existing and future vacancies. These positions are part-time, 7.0 hours per day, 206 paid days per year. The eligibility list will be valid for 6 months or until exhausted (whichever comes first). Based upon the information provided in the application materials, the most qualified applicants will be invited for further examination which may include application screening, supplemental questions, oral interview, or any combination thereof. A completed application for employment must be received by 4:30 p.m. on the closing date. Faxed materials are not acceptable. The Behavior Support Specialist classification requires that all incumbents meet the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements. This can be accomplished by one of the following: a) 2 years of completed study at an institution of higher learning (48 units or more with transcripts submitted with application), b) an Associate's Degree or higher (copy of degree submitted with application), OR c) by passing the District ESSA exam. The Merit exam is for those who have submitted a classified application, meet minimum qualifications, and have satisfied the ESSA requirements above. All testing will take place at La Mesa – Spring Valley School District's Education Service Center, 4750 Date Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 (Phone: 619-668-5700) unless notified otherwise. Test starts promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers will not be admitted. Candidates will be required to present valid photo identification prior to sign-in.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, special education, or a related field and three years of experience providing intensive behavior intervention support to students in an educational, clinical, or home setting.
Experience with behavior data collection and analysis required.
Incumbents must meet requirements specified under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education OR Obtained an associate’s or higher degree (college level) OR Met (pass) a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing and mathematics
Valid California Class C Driver’s License and evidence of insurability
Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency
Successfully pass the District’s job-related merit exam
After offer of employment, obtain: Criminal Justice and FBI Fingerprint Clearance, Negative TB test result plus periodic post-employment retest as required (currently every four years), Pre-employment physical exam through District’s provider at District’s expense
Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures
Knowledge of behavioral principles and social interaction facilitation
Knowledge of data collection strategies
Knowledge of functional skills of daily living such as attention strategies, relational interaction, de-escalation strategies, grooming and hygiene, and anger management
Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy
Knowledge of operation of a computer and assigned software
Knowledge of oral and written communication skills
Knowledge of positive behavior support and intervention techniques and instructional methodologies
Knowledge of principles and practices of providing training to various audiences
Knowledge of principles of positive reinforcement
Knowledge of reading and writing English communication skills
Knowledge of record-keeping and report preparation techniques
Knowledge of research based positive behavioral intervention methodologies and techniques
Ability to administer first aid/CPR as necessary
Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
Ability to apply positive behavior support and intervention techniques and instructional methodologies
Ability to use approved physical interventions for safety purposes as necessary to control dysregulated behavior
Ability to collect and maintain data
Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form
Ability to develop and implement behavioral support plans
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Ability to share and demonstrate knowledge of behavior analysis, positive discipline techniques, and effective practices
Ability to interpret, apply, and explain applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures
Ability to maintain confidentiality of student records and communications
Ability to meet schedules and timelines
Ability to model specialized strategies and techniques
Ability to operate a computer and assigned office equipment
Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports
Ability to prepare and adapt materials to enhance student performance
Ability to provide student assistance in developing functional skills of daily living
Ability to recognize and understand how to respond to during behavior incidents
Ability to understand and explain the impact of pervasive developmental disorders on learning
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions
Ability to use conversation, group discussions, tutorials, behavior management techniques, and other approaches to achieve prescribed goals with individual children experiencing school problems of a behavioral and/or educational nature

Nice To Haves

Registered Behavior Technician certificate preferred

Responsibilities

Administers basic first aid and CPR as needed.
Assists with the development and implementation of positive behavior support and intervention techniques and positive behavior support plans; assists with the development of training materials and manuals.
Attends meetings as required to provide input regarding student behavior and strategies.
Collects student data and writes related reports for behavior support planning and review.
Communicates with school staff to share information pertaining to instructional strategies, behavioral strategies, and interventions.
Establishes meaningful relationships with referred children (caseload) to improve behavior in the school setting; assists with parent contact, conferences and other activities related to the behavioral needs of caseload students.
Maintains a variety of records and files relevant to the history and progress of behavioral strategies, including confidential student records and information.
Operates a variety of office equipment including a calculator, copier, computer and assigned software; drives a vehicle to conduct work at various school sites as required.
Provides professional development opportunities and makes presentations to staff regarding behavior strategies and implementation; provides training in data collection and the use of behavior support, intervention techniques and instructional methodologies to education staff.
Provides support to students in the areas of social skills, emotional support, behavior response, and academic support.
Serves as a team member to enhance and share knowledge and skills for the delivery of best practices in behavior strategies; maintains regular contact with special education staff.
Supports across all functional areas of the school campus in various settings as determined by students’ needs to include support on the school bus.
Trains and coaches families who are supporting students with challenging behavior.
Tutors individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; works with small groups and individual students, reinforcing instruction and behavior, monitors and oversees students, confers with teachers and other staff as needed.
Works with school personnel to implement behavior plans; engages in direct observation and documentation of students exhibiting behaviors that may require modification; monitors student progress and makes recommendations for behavior strategies.
Works with the District Behavior Team and/or Parent Empowerment Program Team to develop interventions, functional behavior response plans, and supports to provide a safe and effective educational environment for students with challenging behaviors.
Attends and participates in meetings, in-service trainings, workshops, and conferences.
Performs related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the District.