Behavior Support Specialist for Deaf & Blind Students

Va-School-For-the-Deaf-&-Blin; Virginia; On-site; USD 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

VA School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB) in Staunton, VA, seeks a Behavior Support Specialist to promote student success through evidence-based behavioral interventions and regulated classroom engagement.

Responsibilities include collaborating with educators and residential staff to reduce disruptive behaviors, support social-emotional growth, and provide day and residential instructional services to children referred by local divisions across the Commonwealth.

Qualifications

• Experience and training in behavior management, and experience with students who have sensory impairment.
• Knowledge of child growth and development and special needs of children with disabilities.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and their role in student behavior and learning.
• Data collection skills for tracking behavior trends and implementation of intervention strategies.
• Knowledge of de-escalation strategies and conflict resolution strategies.
• Ability to communicate via verbal/signed communication to interact with students and staff.
• Ability to use written communication for documentation.
• Ability to build positive, supportive relationships with students and school staff.
• Ability to respond to frequent changes in schedule and environment.
• Ability to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to respond calmly and professionally in situations that include behavioral crises.
• Ability to self-regulate during extended periods of student escalation.
• Ability to work with diverse student populations and tailor interventions and communication needs to meet individual student needs.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and staff information.
• Ability to follow school policies and procedures and work using a team approach.
• Proficiency level of “Advanced” in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Scale, or agreement to acquire the specified level within three years.
• Hold a valid Virginia Driver’s License and submit for review by DMV.
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification required; or must be obtained within 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

• The Behavior Support Specialist will provide support for student success by implementing evidence-based behavioral interventions and increasing students' ability to remain regulated and attend to instruction.
• This role involves collaboration with educators, support staff, and residential hall staff to promote social-emotional growth, reduce disruptive behaviors, and enhance student engagement in the educational setting.
• Assist in delivering essential services for children with deafness or blindness through day and residential instructional programs and serve as a resource for similar disabilities across Virginia.

Skills

Behavior management

Trauma-informed practices

Data collection

De-escalation

ASL proficiency

Sign language

Written communication

Collaboration

Confidentiality

Team approach

Driver's license

CPR/First Aid

Diversity sensitivity

Adaptability

Job description

VA School for the Deaf and Blind (VSDB) in Staunton, VA, seeks a Behavior Support Specialist to promote student success through evidence-based behavioral interventions and regulated classroom engagement.

Responsibilities include collaborating with educators and residential staff to reduce disruptive behaviors, support social-emotional growth, and provide day and residential instructional services to children referred by local divisions across the Commonwealth.