Behavior Support Specialist SDB00195
About The Position
The Behavior Support Specialist at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) supports student success by implementing evidence-based behavioral interventions and helping students remain regulated and attend to instruction. The role collaborates with educators, support staff, and residential hall staff to promote social-emotional growth, reduce behaviors that interrupt learning, and increase students’ engagement in the educational setting. The specialist helps provide essential services to children with deafness or blindness through quality day and residential instructional programs for children referred by local school divisions, and serves as a resource for children with similar disabilities educated throughout Virginia. VSDB provides PreK–12 education with residential and day student options.
Requirements
- Experience and training in behavior management; experience with students who have sensory impairment may be considered.
- Knowledge of child growth and development and the special needs of children with disabilities.
- Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and their role in student behavior and learning.
- Data collection skills for tracking behavior trends and implementation of intervention strategies.
- Knowledge of de-escalation and conflict resolution strategies.
- Ability to communicate through verbal and/or signed communication with students and staff, and to use written communication for documentation.
- Ability to build positive, supportive relationships with students and school staff.
- Ability to respond to frequent changes in schedule and environment.
- Ability to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to respond calmly and professionally during behavioral crises and self-regulate during extended periods of student escalation.
- Ability to work with diverse student populations and tailor interventions and communication to individual student needs.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow school policies and procedures.
- Advanced proficiency in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Scale, or agreement to attain the specified level within three years.
- Valid Virginia Driver’s License, subject to review by DMV.
- Current CPR and First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain both within 90 days of employment.
Nice To Haves
- Training or experience working with school-aged children.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Responsibilities
- Implement evidence-based behavioral interventions to support student success, regulation, and attention to instruction.
- Collaborate with educators, support staff, and residential hall staff to promote social-emotional growth and student engagement.
- Help reduce behaviors that interrupt learning.
- Provide support within day and residential instructional programs for children with deafness or blindness.
- Serve as a resource for children with similar disabilities educated throughout Virginia.
- Collect data to track behavior trends and implementation of intervention strategies.
- Document information in writing and maintain confidentiality of student and staff information.
- Follow school policies and procedures and work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
