Location: Special Education – Maywood Academy
Schedule: Immediately (FT/10M plus an additional 35 days during the school year)
Basic Function:
The Behavior Specialist (BOCES) will be responsible for working collaboratively with staff and administrators on implementing behavior support practices; including but not limited to behavior observation/monitoring, behavior consultations and behavior interventions. Serves as primary contact to staff for behavior related reporting, data collection and training and assessment tracking. Works with the Student Placement Administrator and the Director of Special Education on the development of behavioral systems within the Special Education Division, including the development and implementation of a Functional Behavior Analysis/Behavior Intervention Plan (FBA/BIP) Quality Assurance Process, website for staff and families on behavioral resources and targeted professional development and consultation on classroom management plans. Does other related work, as required. Works under general supervision of the Director of Special Education.
Responsibilities:
1. Conducts student consultations to advise on behavior support practices.
2. Serves as a member of the BOCES Intake Team to review applications for students to BOCES programs.
3. Designs, implements and monitors behavior interventions for students with disabilities.
4. Prepares written reports as needed to outside psychiatric professionals/community agencies regarding behavioral concerns of students with disabilities.
5. Maintains data on the effectiveness of behavior interventions for specific students and types of programs within the Division.
6. Conducts classroom observations to support behavior related management and instruction.
7. Conducts functional behavioral assessments and design, implements and monitors behavior intervention plans.
8. Develops and implements a Quality Assurance Process for FBA/BIP which will involve embedded professional development to staff on the development of high quality Behavior Improvement Plans.
9. Prepares reports for the Committee on Special Education on the results of Functional Behavioral Assessments including recommendations for Behavioral Improvement Plans.
10. Serves as a member of the Committee on Special Education for students with behavioral concerns.
11. Provides teacher-coaching and support related to classroom management.
12. Collects and analyzes data to advise on behavioral practices across the district.
13. Provides training to staff on positive behavioral interventions, data collection and progress monitoring of behaviors.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.
15. Comprehensive knowledge of the role of school administrators, teachers, social workers, school counselors and psychologists related to school improvement.
16. Thorough knowledge of the fundamental principles and practices of school improvement including but not limited to support services, classroom management, behavior management, staff effectiveness.
17. Thorough knowledge of student/youth assessment, behavior and classroom management systems.
18. Thorough knowledge on the behavioral impact of mental health issues, autism, brain injuries and developmental disabilities.
19. Working knowledge of Education Law, Rules and Regulations.
20. Ability to act in a coaching capacity to staff to improve the skills related to positive behavioral interventions.
21. Ability to organize tasks and set priorities.
22. Ability to relate to and support program staff.
23. Ability to train staff on behavior data collection and analysis.
24. Ability to prepare and maintain reports and records.
25. Ability to develop an understanding of school improvement, systems change and reform issues.
26. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
27. Ability to prepare and present written reports.
28. Ability to work with families on positive behavior plans for students with disabilities.
29. Ability to remain current in educational research on behavior analysis and management.
30. Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
CERTIFIED QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Valid New York State certification as a School Psychologist or Social Worker or Special Education/Students with Disabilities.
B. Experience working with children/adolescents with a variety of psychiatric and/or behavioral disorders.
C. Experience developing Functional Behavioral Assessments, Behavior Improvement Plans and positive behavioral supports.
D. Experience on working collaborative with staff and administrators on interventions to support student behavior.
E. Experience training staff on behavior data collection and analysis.
F. Administrative certification helpful but not required.
OR
CIVIL SERVICE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Possession of a Master’s degree in Psychology, Special Education, Behavioral Sciences or Behavior Analysis and three (3) years of experience working with children/adolescents with a variety of psychiatric and/or behavioral disorders including developing functional behavioral assessments, behavior improvement plans and positive behavioral supports, including or supplemented by one (1) year of experience in training on behavior data collection and analysis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
At time of application, must hold certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Must be maintained throughout employment.
Vacancies are filled by certified list provided by Albany County Civil Service. Should no certified list be available, candidates appointed to this position will be serving in a provisional appointment in accordance with New York State Civil Service Law. The candidate must successfully complete a competitive examination and be eligible for appointment in accordance with Civil Service Law and the Civil Service Rules for Albany County to obtain a permanent appointment.