Behavioral Health Specialist

Rochester Academy of Science Charter School; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocsci Elementary School in Rochester, NY seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to support social, emotional, and behavioral well-being for students in grades K–5. You will work directly with students, teachers, and families to identify needs early, teach coping and self-regulation skills, and help every child participate fully in school.

This full-time, 10-month school-year position involves developing behavior support plans, de-escalation during crises, coaching staff on PBIS and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required.
• Experience working with school-age children in school, youth program, or behavioral health setting.
• Knowledge of child development and common behavioral challenges in elementary students.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work with diverse families and colleagues.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow FERPA policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support to build social-emotional skills and coping strategies.
• Observe and assess behavioral and emotional needs in classrooms and common areas.
• Develop and monitor behavior support plans with teachers and the student support team.
• Respond to behavioral crises using de-escalation techniques and safety procedures.
• Coach teachers on classroom management, PBIS, and trauma-informed practices.
• Engage with families through regular communication, meetings, and referrals to resources.
• Participate in CSE meetings and maintain confidential records as required.
• Assist with school-wide prevention programs such as character education and anti-bullying efforts.

Skills

Social-emotional coaching

Verbal & written communication

Confidentiality (FERPA)

Crisis de-escalation

Trauma-informed practices

Family collaboration

Education

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

Tools

Documentation systems

PBIS familiarity

Job description

Behavioral Health Specialist – Rocsci Elementary SchoolPosition SummaryRocsci Elementary School seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist to support the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of students in grades K–5. The specialist works directly with students, teachers, and families to identify needs early, teach coping and self-regulation skills, and help every child take part fully in school.Position DetailsTitle: Behavioral Health SpecialistSchool: Rocsci Elementary SchoolReports to: Principal (or designee)Employment type: Full-time, 10-month school-year positionSalary and benefits: 55000-65000Start date: 10/5/2026Key ResponsibilitiesProvide individual and small-group support that builds social-emotional skills, emotional regulation, and healthy coping strategies.Observe students in classrooms and common areas, and assess behavioral and emotional needs.Develop, carry out, and monitor behavior support plans and intervention goals with teachers and the student support team.Respond to behavioral and emotional crises, using de-escalation techniques and following school safety procedures.Coach teachers and staff on classroom management, positive behavior supports, and trauma-informed practices.Partner with families through regular communication, meetings, and referrals to community resources and outside providers.Take part in student support, attendance, and Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings as needed.Keep accurate, confidential records of services, student progress, and incidents, and meet all reporting deadlines.Help run school-wide prevention programs such as character education, anti-bullying efforts, and transition support.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree (BA) in psychology, social work, counseling, human services, education, or a related field.Relevant experience working with school-age children, such as in a school, youth program, or behavioral health setting.Knowledge of child development and common behavioral and emotional challenges in elementary-age students.Strong verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work respectfully with diverse families and colleagues.Ability to keep student information confidential and follow FERPA and school policies.Ability to pass required background checks and fingerprint clearance.Preferred Qualifications and SkillsTraining in crisis prevention and intervention, trauma-informed care, or positive behavior supports.Experience with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or similar school-wide frameworks.Bilingual ability, or experience serving multilingual families.Comfort with documentation systems and basic data tracking.Patience, flexibility, and a calm presence under pressure.Working Conditions and How to ApplyThe role is based in an elementary school setting and involves movement between classrooms, the playground, and offices. The specialist may need to help students safely during behavioral incidents and to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods.Rocsci Elementary School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.Preferred Qualifications and SkillsTraining in crisis prevention and intervention, trauma-informed care, or positive behavior supports.Experience with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or similar school-wide frameworks.Bilingual ability, or experience serving multilingual families.Comfort with documentation systems and basic data tracking.Patience, flexibility, and a calm presence under pressure.