Behavior Specialist - 1.0 FTE at Horace Mann Elementary

Sioux Falls School District; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Sioux Falls School District is seeking a High School Specialist focused on behavioral support. Lead 1:1 and small group sessions, conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), and collaborate with families and staff to implement individualized behavior plans.

Ensure data-based decision making and confidentiality in handling student information. Role emphasizes knowledge of behavior management strategies, teamwork, and ethical implementation of positive behavior supports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, counseling, social work, or related field required. BCBA preferred.
• Experience in a behavioral treatment facility may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Knowledge of strategies to manage behavior.
• Computer competency in word processing, data bases and spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Works collaboratively with district staff and families to create supportive, inclusive, and respectful learning environments for all students, particularly students who exhibit challenging behaviors.
• Facilitates and conducts Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) for the purpose of developing individual support plans for student.
• Identifies strengths of children and positive reinforcement and motivation techniques for individuals through the FBA, classroom observations, and problem solving/team meetings
• Works with individual students in 1:1 and small group settings to reinforce behavioral goals/objectives outlined by the problem-solving team.
• Assesses individual student needs, providing input with the team in creating and implementing the intervention plan related to behavioral and emotional needs.

Skills

Behavior management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, counseling, social work, or related field

BCBA preferred

Tools

Word processing

Databases

Spreadsheets

Job description

We want YOU here!

Join the team at Horace Mann Elementary, where we foster a community built on respect, individuality, and a shared commitment to learning. At Horace Mann, students are encouraged to try their best, treat others with kindness, and contribute to a positive school environment. Be a part of a team that values personal growth and works together to make our school a great place to learn and thrive.

Learn more about Horace Mann Elementary at: https://www.sf.k12.sd.us/o/hmes

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION LEVEL:

Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, counseling, social work, or related field required. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) preferred.

EXPERIENCE DESIRED:

Experience in a behavioral treatment facility may be considered in lieu of a degree.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Constant eye-mind and eye hand coordination, hearing; intermittent speaking, standing, walking, writing, bending, and stooping. Frequent keyboarding and repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge of strategies to manage behavior. May be required to physically manage students, exerting up to 50 pounds of force. Experience with behavior management. Computer competency in word processing, data bases and spreadsheets.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

1. Works collaboratively with district staff and families to create supportive, inclusive, and respectful learning environments for all students, particularly students who exhibit challenging behaviors
2. Facilitates and conducts Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) for the purpose of developing individual support plans for student.
3. Identifies strengths of children and positive reinforcement and motivation techniques for individuals through the FBA, classroom observations, and problem solving/team meetings
4. Works with individual students in 1:1 and small group settings to reinforce behavioral goals/objectives outlined by the problem-solving team.
5. Assesses individual student needs, providing input with the team in creating and implementing the intervention plan related to behavioral and emotional needs.
6. Assesses impending agitation and escalation of behavioral change and participates in the behavioral management of these students. Is alert to potential problems.
7. Maintains timely and accurate records of behavior incidents and supports the student team with ongoing progress monitoring in accordance with the individual behavior plan.
8. Models and supervises implementation of behavior interventions and behavior support plans in collaboration with the Behavior Facilitator and educational team
9. Interacts with team members and participates in problem solving meetings to provide a positive and challenging environment for students to achieve their individual goals and objectives.
10. Establishes a positive rapport with students, co-workers and parents which conveys enthusiasm and caring.
11. Works cooperatively with team members to outline a behavior plan and evaluate the plan's appropriateness and need for modifications. Demonstrates knowledge of behavioral strategies.
12. Shares responsibility and offers assistance to co-workers with the intent of gradually releasing responsibility for behavior support and intervention to the school-based team.
13. Communicates clearly with students, co-workers, and parents.
14. Collaborates regularly with other staff and engages in data-based decision making as well as ongoing review of documentation and progress monitoring to support the management of challenging behaviors.
15. Maintains the confidentiality of students, building level teams, and families.
16. Maintains record of physical management of students.
17. Consistently models the ethical implementation of evidence-based, positive behavior supports for all students
18. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
19. May be reassigned to building level position.

PAY INFORMATION

Level PX, starting at $39.71 per hour - click HERE to view the salary schedule.

Pay Day: Last working day of each month.

HOURS & FTE

Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm with a 30-minute unpaid break

1.0 FTE, 40 hours per week, 9 months

CALENDAR

2026-2027 9 Month High School Specialist Calendar

CURRENT DISTRICT EMPLOYEES

All current District employees interested in applying must complete an application.

Post-Offer Criminal Background Check Required

Relay Services for Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Dial 711, then the desired number