GROW Behavior Therapist

Sylvania; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 9,000 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

Olympia School District seeks a classroom therapist to support elementary students in a behavior program, developing social skills and self-management. This role partners with staff to implement therapeutic strategies and provide crisis plans as needed.

The 0.2 FTE, one-year position involves working Monday through Friday, with Right Response training provided after hire; vacation leave and holidays are included per the CBA, and the district encourages applicants who contribute to a diverse

Qualifications

• Experience providing counseling/therapeutic support to youth.
• Knowledge of behavioral/social-emotional needs and strategies.
• Understanding of school environment and processes.
• Experience implementing executive functioning strategies and supporting anxiety and social-cognition.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance (required).

Responsibilities

• Review therapeutic progress at weekly team meetings.
• Communicate effectively with families.
• Observe and document student behavior in school and classroom environments.
• Collaborate with the Special Education Teacher on FBAs, IEP goals, and crisis plans.
• Assist staff with social skills curriculum and lessons.
• Work with program teams to implement behavioral strategies.
• Plan or lead social skills lessons and therapeutic groups.
• Maintain a therapeutic log for progress monitoring.
• Support families in accessing community resources.

Skills

Counseling experience

Behavioral health knowledge

Executive functioning support

Communication with families

Education

Social work degree

Job description

Job Summary:

To work with and support elementary students in a behavior program to develop social skills, problem-solving and self-management skills regarding behavioral/social-emotional needs. In addition, classroom therapists will serve as a resource to teaching staff in identification and use of therapeutic strategies to support students with behavioral/social-emotional needs.

Required attachments:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• 3 Reference Letters
• Valid Washington State Certification

This is a 0.2 FTE one year only position that will work Monday through Friday.

This position supports students with significant behavioral needs and works closely with classroom staff to provide safe, consistent, and positive behavioral support. The successful candidate should be comfortable working with challenging behaviors and supporting students in a structured, team-based environment. Right Response training is required for this position and will be provided by the district after hire.

Employees will receive vacation leave, paid holidays and additional compensation beyond their base salary as outlined in their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

The Olympia School District is committed to increasing the diversity of staff in our schools. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths and experiences in this area.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Specific Job Duties

• Review therapeutic progress/issues at weekly team meetings.
• Communicate effectively with families.
• Observe and document student behavior in school and classroom environments
• Work with the Special Education Teacher in developing Functional Behavioral Assessments, Write/consult with creating social/emotional goals on IEP, Positive Behavior Supports and crisis plans as well as the implementation of the plans.
• Assist staff with individual social skills curriculum and lessons.
• Work with Program teams and other school staff to develop, understand and implement strategies to support the behavioral/social-emotional needs of students.
• Plan or lead in the development and provision of social skills lessons and therapeutic groups.
• Maintain a therapeutic log to assist with progress monitoring.
• Support families in accessing community resources and understanding of strategies implemented at school.

Job Requirements – Qualifications

• A degree in social work or another social service field is preferred.
• 3 years’ experience providing counseling / therapeutic support to youth.
• Knowledge of various disorders and implementation of therapeutic strategies to support students with behavioral/social-emotional needs.
• Knowledge of and understanding of school environment and processes.
• Knowledge of and implementation of strategies for teaching and supporting executive functioning skill deficits, anxiety disorders, perspective taking and social cognition.
• Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Olympia School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Auxiliary aids and services will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. The following employee(s) have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Officer - James Whitehead, [phone], [e-mail]; Executive Director of Elementary Education - Autumn Lara, [phone], [e-mail]; Section 504 and ADA Coordinator (Students) - Ken Turcotte, [phone], [e-mail]; ADA Coordinator (Staff) - Starla Hoff, [phone], [e-mail]; affirmative Action Officer and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator - Scott Niemann, [phone], [e-mail]. Address: Knox Administrative Center, 111 Bethel St NE, Olympia, WA 98506. The Olympia School District will provide reasonable Accommodations to enable persons with disabilities the opportunity to apply for open positions and to participate in District interview procedures. Persons with disabilities or are in need of translation services are asked to notify the Human Resources Office at least three days prior to the date on which the requested accommodation is needed. Human Resources Officer: Voice: [phone] or TDD: [phone] or FAX: [phone].