Special Needs Behavior Intervention Specialist (Behavior Focus) - Elementary

Young World Physical Education

Waterloo (IA)

On-site

USD 25,471 - 28,171

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Waterloo Community School District THRIVE LEARNING CENTER – Waterloo, Iowa, is seeking a Special Needs Behavior Intervention Specialist (Behavior Focus) for elementary students. You will assist a teacher in delivering instruction to students with behavior challenges, monitor progress, and implement intensive behavior interventions in a supportive classroom environment.

The role requires de-escalation skills, experience with special needs students, and collaboration with staff, families, and

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalency required.
NCLB compliance – 60 college credit hours or associate’s degree or district competency test approved by Iowa BEEB.
Experience working with behaviorally challenged students and those with special needs.
Strong de-escalation and behavior intervention knowledge.

Responsibilities

Assist in providing instruction to students with behavior challenges under the teacher’s direction.
Administer one-to-one intensive behavior intervention to students.
Collect data and maintain behavioral progress records.
Monitor student behavior and communicate with teachers and families.
Support PBIS initiatives and participate in professional development.

Skills

Behavior management

De-escalation techniques

Data collection

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

60 college credits / associate degree

Job description

Special Needs Behavior Intervention Specialist (Behavior Focus) – Elementary

Waterloo Community School District THRIVE LEARNING CENTER – Waterloo, Iowa. Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5677644
Application Deadline: Aug 20, 2026 4:30 PM (Central Standard Time)
Re-Posted: Jul 15, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Aug 1, 2026

Job Description

Job Summary: This position works under the direction of the building principal and Director of Special Education and is responsible for assisting a teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students with behavior challenges. This position is also responsible for monitoring, redirecting and modifying student progress regarding inappropriate behaviors and performance, administering intensive behavior intervention programs to identified students, and performing a variety of clerical duties as assigned.

Waterloo Schools is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Hiring Specifications

Education

High school diploma or equivalency
NCLB compliance – 60 college credit hours, associate’s degree, generalist or specialist paraprofessor license issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners OR successful completion of the district-approved competency test

Certification

NCLB compliance – see above
Mandt certification required upon hire

Experience

Experience working with applicable age students who have behavior challenges
Experience working with students with special needs
De-escalation experience
Successful experience working in an intervention setting as well as the classroom

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Knowledge of, and ability to implement, intensive de-escalation techniques
Knowledge of, and ability to implement, intensive behavior management techniques
Knowledge of intensive behavior intervention techniques
Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities, development delays and autistic behavior
Knowledge of basic subjects taught in district schools including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading, including punctuation and vocabulary and ability to assist with instructional and related activities in a learning environment
Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities and health regulations
Knowledge of basic instructional methods and techniques
Ability to monitor and observe student behavior according to approved policies and procedures
Knowledge of district policies, rules and regulations
Basic recordkeeping skills
Ability to develop rapport and interact effectively with students
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
Ability to handle emotionally charged situations
Ability to interact and collaborate with staff, students and families in a professional manner
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, parents and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability

Technology Requirements

Basic word processing and spreadsheet skills
E-mail management skills
Skill or the ability to learn the delivery and use of on-line learning programs as needed per school assignment

Supervision of Others

N/A

Personal Contacts

All district staff, students and families
Central Rivers AEA personnel

Job Duties

Assists in providing instruction to behaviorally challenged individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher.
Administers one-to-one intensive behavior intervention to students.
Actively participates in behavior intervention meetings and professional development.
Collects data and records anecdotal student progress notes and maintains behavioral charting data.
Monitors and assists students in prescribed learning activities.
Monitors, observes and reports behavior of students according to approved procedures, including progress regarding student performance and behavior.
Assists students and parents by providing proper examples, emotional support and general guidance as directed.
Communicates with teachers regarding programs and materials to meet student needs.
Follows health and safety practices and regulations.
Assists students in developing self-help and self-advocacy skills as directed.
Assists in implementing specialized student plans (IEP, BIP, 504, HIP), as needed.
Supports Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) initiatives.
Directs student group activities as assigned.
Provides assistance with de-escalating student behaviors and reintegration back into the classroom.
Implements classroom management system as applicable (e.g. STAR-C Management System).
Transports students as needed.
Follows Board policies, district procedures and contractual obligations.
Completes other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Orientation and Weight Limits

Standing – required
Walking – required
Sitting – required
Bending/Stooping – required
Pushing/Pulling – required
Reaching – required
Climbing/Stairs – required
Driving – required
Lifting up to 25 lbs.
Carrying up to 25 lbs.
Manual Dexterity Tasks – Telephone, Computer

Working Conditions

Inside – required
Outside – required
Extremes in temperature/humidity – required

Additional Physical Requirements

Ability to provide physical care for assigned student(s)
Ability to perform physical restraint as needed following correct procedures
Successful completion of post-offer drug screening and physical as well as background check

Position Type

Full-Time

Salary

$18.49 to $20.45 Per Hour

Job Categories

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Special Education > General Special Education

Special Education > Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Special Education > Special Education Assistant

Job Requirements