Behavioral Specialist - 10 Month

Shelby County Schools•Memphis, TN

About The Position

The Behavioral Specialist assists in preventing and intervening in disruptive and at-risk student behavior by facilitating behavioral services for students, families, and educational staff. The role coordinates diagnostic, educational, and therapeutic services; supports teachers in developing classroom management skills; provides ongoing and crisis counseling and assistance; maintains required records and reports; and performs related professional and administrative work. The position works independently and reports major activities through periodic meetings. The Behavioral Specialist plans for students’ diagnostic, educational, and therapeutic service needs; designs, implements, monitors, and follows up on behavioral intervention and prevention strategies; and coordinates with resources and agencies providing services and treatment for children with behavioral or mental health issues. The role provides professional development and assistance to teachers, including positive behavior support, verbal de-escalation, and education about mental health and medical management issues. It also collaborates with specialists to provide comprehensive support to teachers and staff. The position observes classroom management and student behavior, recommends environmental changes, implements student interventions, facilitates planning meetings, and responds safely and compassionately to crises. It gathers information for periodic and special reports and performs administrative tasks such as preparing correspondence and reports, handling computer data, sending and receiving faxes, and answering telephone calls. The role also participates in professional meetings, classes, workshops, or conferences to exchange information, improve skills, and maintain required certifications. Other duties may be assigned or directed.

Requirements

Education or training equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in school psychology, psychology, social work, or a related field.
Two years of experience.
A valid state driver’s license.
Proof of education, training, and/or experience is required.

Responsibilities

Plan diagnostic, educational, and therapeutic services for students with emotional or behavioral disabilities.
Design, implement, monitor, and follow up on behavioral intervention and prevention strategies.
Identify and maintain cooperative working relationships with resources and agencies that provide services and treatment for children with behavioral or mental health issues.
Provide professional development and assistance to teachers to strengthen classroom management, including positive behavior support, verbal de-escalation, and education about mental health and medical management issues.
Collaborate with specialists in other areas to provide comprehensive assistance to teachers and staff.
Observe and report on teachers’ classroom management styles and the appropriateness of activities to support a safe and emotionally supportive environment.
Facilitate planning meetings with involved teachers, social workers, and clinicians as needed.
Observe students referred for disruptive or unusual behavior, recommend environmental changes for teachers, and implement student interventions as needed.
Respond to crisis situations in a safe and caring manner.
Gather information and data for periodic and special reports documenting activities in areas of responsibility.
Perform clerical and administrative tasks, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, sending and receiving faxes, and answering the telephone.
Attend or conduct staff and professional meetings to exchange information.
Attend professional classes, workshops, or conferences to improve skills and maintain certifications as required.
Perform other duties as assigned or directed.