State Behavior Support Specialist (Education Specialist V)

Texas Education Agency; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is seeking a State Behavior Support Specialist to lead statewide MTSS initiatives, strengthen behavioral support systems, and promote positive school climate. The role involves collaboration with ESCs, school systems, and partners to design, implement, and improve technical assistance, resources, and guidance that build capacity across Texas.

The position emphasizes evidence-based practices, data-informed decision-making, and coordination of behavioral

Qualifications

• Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in implementing, supporting, or leading behavioral support systems in educational settings; providing professional development, coaching, technical assistance, or consultation to educators, school systems, or other stakeholders; using data to inform decision-making, program improvement, and student outcomes.
• Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

Responsibilities

• Provide content knowledge, guidance, and technical expertise regarding state and federal policies, procedures, statutes, and rules related to behavior supports, positive school climate, student supports, and special education.
• Lead, develop, and evaluate the impact and reach of high-quality technical assistance resources, implementation supports, and professional development opportunities; use data to assess effectiveness and inform improvements.
• Lead, support, communicate, and engage strategically with stakeholders to support the development, implementation, and sustainability of behavior support initiatives.
• Lead, guide, and support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of statewide initiatives and technical assistance projects; monitor progress and manage deliverables and budgets.
• Coordinate and support a statewide continuum of supports that build ESC capacity to provide coordinated, effective support to school systems in MTSS implementation.

Skills

Policy guidance

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Job ID: 108044

Location: Austin

Other Recruiting Location: Austin;Texas

Number of Openings: 1

State Job Code(s): 0824

Close Date: Open Until Filled

Company: Texas Education Agency

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Salary Admin Plan(s): B

Salary Admin Grade(s): 25

Salary Range: $5797.67 - 7653.00 per Month

Agency Information

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees primary and secondary public education in Texas and is committed to improving outcomes for all public school students by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems across the state.

Core Values

• We are Determined: We are committed and intentional in pursuing our primary purpose of improving outcomes for students.
• We are People-Centered: We strive to attract, develop, and retain committed talent that reflects the diversity of Texas, with each individual contributing to our shared vision for students.
• We are Learners: We seek evidence, reflect on outcomes, and continuously improve in pursuit of excellence for students.
• We are Servant Leaders: We are public servants committed to improving opportunities for students and supporting those who serve them.

Job Description

Position Overview

The State Behavior Support Specialist leads statewide initiatives that strengthen behavioral support systems, promote positive school climate, and improve conditions for learning through a comprehensive Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) approach. Housed within the Division of Student Supports in the Office of Special Populations and Student Supports (OSPSS), this position supports the development of positive, safe, predictable, and inclusive learning environments that enhance student engagement, well-being, attendance, behavior, and academic success. The specialist collaborates with agency staff, Education Service Centers (ESCs), school systems, and statewide partners to design, implement, and continuously improve technical assistance, professional development, resources, guidance, and implementation supports that build ESC capacity to provide coordinated, effective support to school systems. This work includes strengthening the implementation of proactive, preventative, and responsive behavior practices; supporting data-informed decision-making through behavioral and attendance data; strengthening behavior support teams; promoting restorative and instructional approaches to discipline; and developing effective continuums of behavioral response and intervention.

The specialist performs highly advanced (senior-level) consultative and technical assistance work related to evidence-based behavior support systems, practices, interventions, and implementation supports that promote positive student outcomes and improve conditions for learning. Responsibilities include supporting the implementation of behavior support practices within an MTSS framework and providing specialized expertise related to students with intensive behavioral needs and students with disabilities. The position also advances statewide efforts related to school climate, student engagement, conflict resolution, chronic absenteeism prevention, and behavioral well-being through the development and dissemination of guidance, resources, training, and implementation supports.

The specialist leads the planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of statewide initiatives, grants, contracts, and technical assistance efforts that support improved student outcomes and sustainable implementation. Duties include developing and monitoring project plans, budgets, performance measures, deliverables, policies, procedures, and guidance resources; evaluating the effectiveness of services and supports; and identifying opportunities to strengthen statewide infrastructure, align resources, and reduce barriers to implementation across Texas school systems. This specialist may oversee and/or supervise the work of others and works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Flexible work location in Texas may be considered for qualified candidates.

Essential Functions

1. Policy Implementation, Alignment, and Compliance

Provide content knowledge, guidance, and technical expertise regarding state and federal policies, procedures, statutes, and rules related to behavior supports, positive school climate, student supports, and special education. Provide technical assistance to ESCs, school systems, and other stakeholders to support effective implementation of behavior support systems and evidence-based practices. Conduct regular reviews of resources and guidance materials to ensure alignment with policy changes, emerging best practices, and statewide priorities, and identify gaps that may affect implementation and student outcomes.

2. Evaluate Impact of Technical Assistance Resources & Professional Development

Lead, develop, and evaluate the impact and reach of high-quality technical assistance resources, implementation supports, and professional development opportunities designed to strengthen behavioral support systems, proactive and responsive behavior practices, and positive learning environments. Use implementation and outcome data to assess effectiveness, inform continuous improvement efforts, and support stakeholder capacity building that improves student outcomes.

3. Lead Stakeholder Engagement

Lead, support, communicate, and engage strategically with stakeholders, including state agencies, professional organizations, ESCs, school systems, families, and community organizations to support the development, implementation, continuous improvement, and sustainability of behavior support initiatives and statewide student support systems.

4. Effective Grant/Project Oversight

Lead, guide, and support the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of assigned statewide initiatives and technical assistance projects related to behavior support and student outcomes. Conduct technical reviews, monitor project progress, and manage grant deliverables and budgets (if applicable), maintain work plans and metric sheets, and use data to inform decisions and improve program effectiveness and responsiveness to the needs of the field.

5. Lead Statewide Behavior Support Systems and Initiatives

Serve as the state lead for behavior supports by overseeing the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of statewide systems, resources, and technical assistance that promote positive school climate and improved student outcomes. Analyze needs assessments and implementation data to identify priorities, effective practices, and opportunities for improvement. Coordinate and support a statewide continuum of supports that build ESC capacity to provide coordinated, effective support to school systems in implementing proactive, preventative, and responsive behavior practices within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Strengthen local behavior support systems and teams, promote data-informed decision-making, and provide specialized expertise related to students with intensive behavioral needs and students with disabilities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university

Experience: At least five (5) years of experience in implementing, supporting, or leading behavioral support systems in educational settings; providing professional development, coaching, technical assistance, or consultation to educators, school systems, or other stakeholders; using data to inform decision-making, program improvement, and student outcomes; experience collaborating with multiple stakeholder groups including educators, administrators, families, and community partners

Substitutions: Each additional year of related experience above the required minimum may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis

Other Qualifications

• Share the belief that all Texas students can achieve at high levels and are able to succeed in college, career, or the military.
• Experience supporting implementation of MTSS, PBIS, school climate initiatives, or other related student support frameworks; developing statewide, regional, or local school system guidance, resources, and implementation supports; supporting students with disabilities and students with intensive behavior needs is highly preferred.
• Texas Educator Certification; Texas Special Education Certification; School Psychologist; PBIS certification, coaching credential, or advanced training; MTSS certification or training; Restorative Practices certification or training; Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential or equivalent highly preferred.
• Knowledge of evidence-based behavior support practices, positive school climate strategies, and student engagement approaches.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, and guidance related to special education, behavior supports, and student services.
• Demonstrated experience supporting proactive, preventative, and responsive behavior practices, including the use of data-informed interventions to improve student engagement, behavior, attendance, and academic outcomes.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead statewide initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with state agencies, ESCs, school systems, families, and community organizations.

New hires, rehires, and internal hires will typically receive a starting salary between the posted minimum and the average pay of employees within the same classification. Offers are based on the candidate's experience and qualifications and consider internal pay equity across employees performing similar work.

The top half of the posted salary range is generally reserved for candidates whose qualifications exceed the role's requirements. The maximum of the range is typically reserved for candidates who significantly exceed the required and preferred qualifications.

Benefits

TEA employees receive a comprehensive benefits package through the State of Texas and the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), supporting health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• Retirement through ERS and employer-paid health insurance for eligible employees
• Optional dental, vision, and dependent coverage
• Paid state holidays, vacation leave, sick leave, and longevity pay
• Wellness programs, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities
• Eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

To learn more about benefits available to State of Texas employees, please review the State of Texas Employee Benefits brochure and visit the TEA Compensation and Benefits page.

Military/Veteran Information

Applicants eligible for Military Employment Preference (MEP) will be considered in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

To claim Military Employment Preference, applicants must:

• Select the applicable Military Employment Preference category in the employment application.
• Upload supporting documentation verifying eligibility in the Attachments section of the application before submitting the application.

Important: Self-identifying as eligible for Military Employment Preference does not by itself establish eligibility. Supporting documentation is required for TEA to verify eligibility before Military Employment Preference can be applied during the selection process. Applicants who do not submit sufficient documentation may not be considered eligible for Military Employment Preference. This requirement is consistent with TEA's Military Employment Preference procedures.

For information about eligibility requirements, required supporting documentation, and instructions for claiming Military Employment Preference, please review the Military Employment Preference page, which outlines eligible categories, documentation requirements, and the eligibility verification process.

To explore how military experience may align with this role, applicants may review Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes within the State's Position Classification Plan. Please refer to the Military Crosswalk and select the occupational category that most closely corresponds with the classification listed in this job posting.

Additional Information

TEA is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or veteran status.

TEA does not sponsor or assume sponsorship of employment visas.

This position requires the applicant to meet Agency standards and criteria which may include passing a pre-employment criminal background check, prior to being offered employment by the Agency.

To learn more about working at TEA, including hiring timelines, process details, and candidate resources, please visit the Careers at TEA page.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept phone calls or respond to all email inquiries. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

To help ensure you receive updates regarding your application, please add [e-mail] and @tea.texas.gov to your safe sender's list.