Behavior Specialist

WESTERN PA SCHOOL FOR BLIND CHILDREN; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 61,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is seeking a Behavior Specialist to assess, develop, and implement behavioral interventions for students with special needs. The role supports staff, families, and interdisciplinary teams to improve classroom management and student outcomes.

The position is exempt (FLSA) with a 189-day schedule (Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm) and compensation based on experience, education, and certifications, ranging from $60,900 to $82,023.

Qualifications

• BCBA or PA State Behavior Specialist Licensure required.
• Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in psychology, special education, or related field.
• Knowledge of educating students with multiple disabilities, including visual impairment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct behavioral assessments for students with PBSPs or potential PBSPs.
• Plan evidence-based interventions and monitor student progress.
• Design, implement, and collect data on PBSPs.
• Participate in IEP meetings and coordinate with families and outside agencies.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed and support staff with managing challenging behaviors.
• Train staff in the Mandt System and maintain compliant documentation.

Skills

BCBA licensure

Advanced degrees

Special education knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Job description

Located in the heart of Oakland, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational experience committed to empowering our students to realize their full potential. The School also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1887, our School is best equipped to care for and educate students with visual impairments. As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 200 enrolled students from 80-85 school districts within western Pennsylvania.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Behavior Specialist provides expertise in assessing, developing, and implementing behavioral interventions for students with special needs. This role supports staff, families, and interdisciplinary teams to promote positive student outcomes, improve classroom management, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Working Schedule: 189 days per year (option 13 day Extended School Year); Mondays through Fridays from 8a-4p

Compensation: Based on experience, education, and certifications. $60,900 - $82,023

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct behavioral assessments for students with a PBSP or students who may need a PBSP.
• Plan evidence – based interventions and monitor student progress.
• Design, implement, and collect data on PBSP.
• Participate as a member of the IEP team as well as during IEP meetings if requested.
• Answer pages and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Provide support to classroom staff in managing students with challenging behaviors.
• Attend, prepare, and present during Human Rights committee meetings.
• Assist in coordination of psychiatric/psychological consultations and attend appointments, as necessary.
• Communicate with families and/or outside agencies regarding PBSPs.
• Train staff in the Mandt System.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in compliance with IDEA, state education regulations, and organizational policies.
• Support the development of school-wide positive behavior support systems.
• To perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or PA State Behavior Specialist Licensure (BSL).
• Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in related field (i.e. psychology, special education).
• Knowledge of educating students with multiple disabilities, including visual impairment.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.

Physical Demands / Work Requirements:

The following physical demands are typical for a role in this setting:

• Ability to help lift and/or position students when necessary. Must be comfortable with lifting up to 50 pounds from the floor.
• Ability to lift and carry objects such as equipment, books, stacks of reports, etc, generally items weighing 20 pounds or less.
• Frequent reaching, bending, twisting, crouching, stooping, kneeling, crawling, sitting, and walking including up and down stairs.
• Pushing wheelchairs, moving/sliding student equipment.
• Ability to work in a hot humid environment in therapy pool area and outdoors during student activities and morning and afternoon transportation as needed.
• Communicate respectfully with multiple team members.
• Perform maintenance and upkeep of educational areas and therapy areas (i.e. OT/PT gym, clinic room, storage rooms).
• Assist with student enrichment groups and adapted sports programming as assigned.
• Ability to read and attend to computer screens.
• Manual dexterity skills for typing and use of various equipment.
• Comply with established policies and other duties.
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned.