Behavior Specialist (K - 8)

Istss; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Istss is seeking a Behavior Specialist for K-8 students at Kennedy Krieger School Programs, located in Baltimore. This role involves conducting behavioral assessments and developing individualized interventions under BCBA supervision.

The ideal candidate will have a background in psychology or behavior analysis and experience working in educational settings. The position emphasizes collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and offers professional development opportunities for BCBA certification aspirants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
• Experience with children having developmental disabilities.
• Skills in behavioral assessment and intervention.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs).
• Develop and oversee Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).
• Analyze behavioral data and adjust interventions.

Skills

Behavioral assessment

Intervention planning

Data analysis

Crisis intervention

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Behavior Analysis, or related field

Job description

Behavior Specialist (K–8)

Sign‑On Incentive Available

Position Summary

Kennedy Krieger School Programs is seeking Behavior Specialists to provide school-based behavioral services within our Fairmount Campus in Baltimore and our Powder Mill Campus in Beltsville. This role is ideal for an individual who aspires to obtain BCBA certification and values interdisciplinary collaboration and data‑driven, student‑centered care. Under the direct supervision of a BCBA, the Behavior Specialist serves as a case manager for behavioral programming, leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of individualized interventions for students with developmental and behavioral needs.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) using direct observation and data collection
• Develop and oversee Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
• Analyze behavioral data and adjust interventions to support student outcomes
• Train and coach educators and support staff on implementation of behavior plans
• Monitor treatment fidelity and provide ongoing performance feedback
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and participate in IEP meetings
• Support crisis prevention and intervention strategies within a school setting
• Complete clinical documentation and progress reports in compliance with standards

About the Program

The Kennedy Krieger School is a non‑public special education day program approved by the Maryland State Department of Education, with students referred and funded by their local school systems. We offer a range of educational and therapeutic services for students with a spectrum of special needs, from mild to severe. We maintain a low student‑to‑teacher ratio, which allows us to implement individualized education programs (IEPs) that meet the diverse needs of our students while offering the highest quality of education. Parents and families play a primary role in our team approach, a key component of all Kennedy Krieger School Programs and our students’ success. Please see our website at www.kennedykrieger.org/schools-and-education for additional information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Behavior Analysis, or related field
• Experience working with children with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges

Preferred

• Experience in a special education or school‑based setting
• Interest in pursuing BCBA or advanced clinical training

Why Kennedy Krieger

• Mission‑driven work supporting children with neurodevelopmental needs
• Collaborative, interdisciplinary team environment
• Valuable experience for those pursuing BCBA certification or clinical careers
• Structured school schedule and professional development opportunities