Behavior Support Specialist

Overbrook School for the Blind; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Overbrook School for the Blind seeks a Behavior Support Specialist to join a multidisciplinary team and lead functional behavior assessments, develop behavior support plans, and ensure fidelity through data-driven review.

The role includes staff training, collaboration with the school psychologist and families, participation in IEP meetings, and pursuing Safety Care training to support a diverse student body.

Qualifications

• Master's or higher degree in psychology, special education, social work, or related field.
• PA Behavior Specialist License is required.
• At least 2 years in a school setting with children having mental health concerns and intellectual disabilities.
• BCBA certification preferred but other credentials considered.
• Experience with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
• Strong background in science-based intervention programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform functional behavior assessments.
• Develop Positive Behavior Support Plans for individuals, classrooms, and school-wide supports.
• Create data collection systems and monitor progress.
• Review data to ensure treatment effectiveness and modify plans as needed.
• Train staff on plan implementation and data collection via observation, modeling, and role play.
• Collaborate with the school psychologist and families to address behavioral concerns.
• Attend IEP meetings and participate as needed on IEP teams.
• Support classroom staff and teachers in implementing plans.

Skills

Data analysis

Staff training

Collaboration

Safety Care training

ABA experience

Education

Master's degree

PA Behavior Specialist License

BCBA preferred

Tools

Safety Care Trainer

Job description

The Behavior Support Specialist of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the Superintendent.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB)

is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description

Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school; it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future.

Job Functions

The Behavior Specialist will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to collaborate with classroom staff and other professionals to perform functional behavior assessments, develop positive behavior support plans, create data collection systems, ensure treatment effectiveness through data review and analysis, and provide staff training through observation, modeling, role play and performance feedback to ensure treatment fidelity. Additional duties include collaborating with the school psychologist, collaborating with and supporting families to address behavioral concerns, collaborating with all team members, incorporating students’ communication plans and specially designed instruction into the behavior support plan, providing professional development as needed, and becoming Safety Care trained.

This individual will be open to additional training, such as becoming a certified Safety Care trainer, researching and learning about syndromes and various disabilities to successfully work with a diverse group of students including those with deaf blindness.

• Complete Functional Behavior Assessments
• Develop Positive Behavior Support Plans for Individual students, classrooms, and school-wide supports
• Train staff onthe implementation of plans and data collection
• Monitor student performance and modify plans as needed
• Ensure all regulations are followed for student safety and to maintain compliance
• Develop and implement staff trainings
• Consult with IEP team members
• Attend IEP meetings as needed
• Provide support to classroom staff and teachers
• Obtain and maintain certification as a Safety Care Trainer, Therapeutic Options Trainer, or other program that the school uses and train staff throughout the year
• Work as a member of IEP Teams
• Collaborate with co-workers to support students
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications

• Master's or higher degree from a Board-approved, accredited college or university, including a major course of study in at least one of the following: (1) School, clinical, developmental or counseling psychology. (2) Special education. (3) Social work. (4) Speech therapy. (5) Occupational therapy. (6) Professional counseling. (7) Behavioral analysis.(8) Nursing. (9) Another related field.
• PA Behavior Specialist License
• Work at least 2 years in a school setting, experience with children who have mental health concerns and intellectual disabilities, and experience with positive behavior modification techniques.
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) preferred, but will consider other certifications and experience
• Strong background in science-based intervention programs
• Experience with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Lifting: must be able to lift 50-lbs minimumm, with assistance. Participate in 2 person lifts.
• Working Environment : Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors but some outdoor activities may be required.

Benefits and Pay

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees. Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.