Behavioural Specialist

Edmonton Catholic Schools; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Edmonton Catholic Schools in Edmonton seeks an Emotional Behavioural Specialist to deliver school-based intervention services for students with severe behavioural and emotional challenges. The role involves conducting functional assessments and developing intervention plans within a multidisciplinary team to support students, families, and school staff.

The specialist promotes positive behaviour strategies, maintains clear documentation, and provides coaching to teachers and learning coaches

Qualifications

• Degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies or a related area, plus three years of directly related experience.
• Applied Behaviour Analysis training or equivalent.
• Trauma-Informed Care Principles.
• Knowledge of data collection and analysis techniques.
• Familiarity with psychological diagnoses and impact on children.
• Knowledge of records management principles and privacy laws.

Responsibilities

• Conduct functional assessments to explore underlying causes of severe behaviour and develop BSPs.
• Provide and implement positive behaviour strategies for students, communicating plans to staff and families.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary team to support students, parents, and school staff.
• Maintain accurate documentation of evaluations, BSPs, and communications.

Skills

Communication skills

Consultation

Data analysis

Problem solving

Teamwork

Decision making

Crisis management

Education

Degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies or related field

Job description

The Emotional Behavioural Specialist provides school-based intervention services for students with severe behavioural and emotional challenges, impacting their ability to learn. The role involves developing and implementing functional behaviour assessments and intervention plans, collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team to support students, parents, and school staff. By promoting positive behavioural strategies and fostering a supportive learning environment, the specialist contributes to the overall success and well-being of students within the Edmonton Catholic School Division.

Responsibilities and Activities

Conduct Assessments & Provide Intervention Services (50%)

• Utilize environmental checklists to determine necessary Positive Behaviour Supports/Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies.

• Perform functional assessments to explore underlying causes of severe behaviour.

• Collect and analyze data to formulate evidence-based Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs).

• Provide and implement positive behaviour strategies for students, communicating plans and strategies to all who work with the student.

• Work directly with students exhibiting severe and challenging behaviour.

• Assist teachers and learning coaches in developing and monitoring Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals or BSPs.

• Partner with school staff to provide coaching, model appropriate behavioural strategies, and provide support within natural school environments.

• Monitor student progress, adjusting as required.

Provide Information and Consultation (35%)

• Provide in-depth information on relevant diagnoses and principles of applied behavioural analysis.

• Meet with families, school staff, and Division staff to provide and obtain information to support students.

• Train staff and stakeholders on assessment and intervention techniques.

• Participate in school team meetings and Emotional Behavioural Specialist (EBS) callbacks.

• Provide professional development to school staff during meetings or Division PD opportunities.

Maintain Documentation and Reporting (15%)

• Maintain accurate documentation of evaluations, BSPs, and communications.

• Generate clear and concise reports that school staff and parents can easily understand.

• Document observations, meetings, and communications to ensure comprehensive records

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

Knowledge:

• Degree in Community Rehabilitation and Disability Studies or a related area, plus three years of directly related experience.

• Applied Behaviour Analysis training or equivalent.

• Understanding of Trauma-Informed Care Principles.

• Knowledge of intervention strategies, CPR/First Aid.

• Familiarity with psychological diagnoses and the impact of delays/disorders on children.

• Knowledge of data collection and analysis techniques and principles.

• General knowledge of multi-disciplinary settings and the department operations, business, goals, and objectives.

• General knowledge of the Division's operations and business and general understanding of the Division's mission and vision in a faith-based environment.

• Knowledge of records management principles, the Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and the Access to Information Act (ATIA).

• Knowledge of workplace safety and awareness of Occupational Health and Safety regulations.

• Knowledge and alignment with the Division's administrative procedures.

Skills:

• Advanced written and oral communication skills, with the ability to relay complex information to non-technical contacts.

• Strong consultation and facilitation skills for training and professional development.

• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Excellent problem-solving skills to address behavioural and educational delays.

• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently.

• Effective decision-making and leadership abilities.

• Ability to work positively and collaboratively with children, school staff, social workers, parents, and other professionals.

Competencies:

• Flexibility to manage a variety of children’s abilities, needs, and conditions.

• Ability to guide and support staff in crisis situations and safety interventions.

• Building emotional resilience, seeking feedback, and developing soft skills to positively impact others' performance and foster a collaborative environment.

• Developing effective, cooperative relationships, actively listening to diverse viewpoints, and treating people with fairness and respect to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.

• Continuously seeking innovative and creative ways to improve work performance, anticipate and respond to change, and challenge the status quo.

• Acting with integrity, seeking personal growth opportunities, and developing a personal vision of leadership based on core values and principles.

• Making decisions based on future trends, inspiring a compelling vision, and aligning actions with organizational mission and values to drive continuous growth and improvement.