Job Description

Job Description

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with autism? Do you possess the skills and dedication to create a positive and supportive learning environment? If so, we invite you to join our growing dynamic team as a Behavior Specialist at A Step Up Academy (ASUA).

About Us:

ASUA is a leading private special education institution committed to providing exceptional educational experiences for students with autism. Our innovative approach focuses on creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Position Overview:

As a Behavior Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of behavior support strategies for students with autism. Working closely with our dedicated team of educators and therapists, you will contribute to the overall success of our students by fostering positive behavior, social skills, and emotional well-being.

Position: Behavior Specialist

Reports to: Director of Behavioral Programming

Status: Full Time

Job Summary:

The Behavior Specialist is an integral and collaborative member of the ASUA staff, and is responsible, under the supervision of the Director of Behavioral Programming and Associate Head of School, to:

• Provide initial and/or continuing student (re)assessments.
• Plan, manage, and document assigned staff efforts to properly address behavioral excesses and deficits by building functional skill repertoires.
• Implement and monitor programs, assess performance of programs, and adjust as necessary.
• Support staff, students, and families in the building or virtually with regard to behavior plans, parent training, and resources.
• Be a positive role model and should lead with a positive and congenial attitude reflective of the ASUA goal of creating a warm, caring, and supporting environment.

Qualifications:

Master's Degree in ABA or related field

BCBA certification or Licensed Behavior Specialist certification

Current (dated within a year) Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances

Negative TB test dated within three months of hire

Essential Duties And Responsibilities:

• A strong understanding and demonstrated commitment to ASUA’s philosophy of a collaborative approach to academic, behavioral, and clinical programming rooted in supportive and caring delivery of services and trauma-informed care.
• Lead the use of Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies and procedures as needed for individual student behavior needs and crisis situations both in the classroom and in the community/work-based learning environments
• Act as the model for the use of proactive relational and environmental supports for students and instructional staff
• Train and supervise all classroom and support staff regarding behavior programming for students both in the classroom and in the community/work-based learning environments
• Supervise RBTs and Instructional Assistants with regard to student behavior programming under the direction of the Director of Behavioral Programming and in conjunction with the Associate Head of School.
• Familiarity and ability to administer and interpret a variety of clinical assessments (such as VBMAPP, AFLS, ABLLS, ADOS-2, etc.).
• Display excellent clinical competence and judgment; ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Ability to develop and monitor implementation of behavior plans and associated programs; regularly analyze data and complete written reports to document student progress; provide feedback to all stakeholders (staff, parents, Director of Behavioral Programming, Associate Head of School, Head of School, etc.).
• Complete assessments and develop positive behavior support plans for each student.
• Conduct functional analyses and ongoing functional assessments along with behavior plans as needed.
• Measure and track progress of each student based on observation and data reviews.
• Ability to build strong, supportive relationships with staff and students; respect for cultural diversity and capability of adapting behavioral procedures to meet the individual needs of each student.
• Implement and monitor toileting plans; support staff regarding implementation of plans.
• Excellent written and verbal skills; detail oriented.
• Strong leadership and management capabilities.
• Respond promptly and professionally to individual and family needs and requests; maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain active certification in ASUA approved crisis prevention management program.
• Travel between campuses as needed and directed.
• Duties can be performed in the classroom, community, or in other off-campus locations.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

• To read and abide by the Employee Handbook including updates and changes.
• To attend all mandatory meetings, including those that fall outside of regularly scheduled school hours and as described in the Employee Handbook.
• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The Behavior Specialist will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Head of School, Associate Head of School, Director of Behavioral Programming, Director of Educational Programming, or other appropriate administrator.

Physical Requirements:

Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, running, kneeling, and moving furniture is required. This position requires a great deal of physical stamina and the ability to provide active crisis prevention interventions, including physical restraints when absolutely necessary. Adequate vision and hearing ability for monitoring children’s verbal and non-verbal responses. Ability to provide a quality behavior model for students and staff.

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