Behavior Support Specialist SDB00195

DHRM • Augusta, VA

19d • Onsite

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 works collaboratively with educators, support staff, and residential hall staff to promote social-emotional growth, reduce behaviors that interrupt learning, and improve students’ engagement in the educational setting.

The specialist assists in providing essential services to children with deafness or blindness through quality day and residential instructional programs for students referred by local school divisions, and serves as a resource for children with similar disabilities educated throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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 verbally and/or through sign language with students and staff.
• Ability 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 in 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 needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and staff information.
• Ability to follow school policies and procedures and work using a team approach.
• Advanced American Sign Language proficiency, as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Scale, or agreement to acquire the specified level within three years.
• Valid Virginia Driver’s License and submission for DMV review.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain them 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 using written communication.
• Respond calmly and professionally during behavioral crises and maintain self-regulation during extended student escalations.
• Follow school policies and procedures and contribute to a multidisciplinary team approach.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed