SY26-27 Behavior Assistant

leemontessori; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

leemontessori in Washington, DC is looking for a Behavioral Assistant to support students facing behavioral challenges. The role includes collaborating with staff to implement interventions and analyzing behavioral data.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, experience with children experiencing behavioral challenges, and strong communication skills. The position is essential to promoting a positive environment and modeling high behavior standards at all times.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with children with behavioral challenges.
• Possess training in physical restraint techniques or willingness to undergo training.
• Demonstrated ability to understand behavior principles.

Responsibilities

• Support children experiencing behavioral challenges using a Montessori approach.
• Collect and analyze behavior data to track student progress.
• Fully participate in professional development opportunities.

Skills

Experience with children with behavioral challenges

Understanding of behavioral principles and instructional strategies

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to collaborate with colleagues and parents

Ability to adapt to changing conditions

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Position Summary

The Behavioral Assistant supports children experiencing behavioral challenges at our Brookland campus. The Behavior Assistant responds to crises and supports children and staff; implements interventions; and proactively encourages productive behavior. The Behavior Assistant communicates, documents, and models appropriately. When behavior support is not needed, the Behavioral Assistant supports other aspects of campus operations through substituting, paperwork, tech support, and other duties as assigned. The position will report to the Principal/Assistant Principal. The position is a 10-month position.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Student & Classroom Behavior Support

• Respond to students experiencing behavioral challenges utilizing a Montessori-aligned approach.
• Provide supports and interventions to students as directed.
• Work collaboratively with school staff to identify students needing behavioral intervention.
• Use appropriate physical restraint procedures in situations requiring physical restraint, following appropriate training.

Recordkeeping and Data Analysis

• Regularly assess student behavior progress and collect data to track students’ progress.
• Maintain systems for collecting and tracking student behavior data.
• Support school teams in analyzing behavioral data to effectively make decisions regarding the implementation of appropriate behavioral interventions, including recommendations about adjustments that should be made in any plans.
• Participate in MTSS meetings as required.
• Contribute to progress reports of students as required.

Additional Responsibilities

• Promoting Lee’s Core Values and modeling the highest behavior standards for staff and students at all times.
• Fully participate in professional development opportunities throughout the year.
• Attend and participate in school events outside of regular school hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Have a high school diploma and a minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with children with behavioral challenges; bachelor’s degree with a relevant focus is preferred.
• Possess training and certification in appropriate physical restraint techniques, or willingness to undergo training.
• Demonstrate understanding of behavioral principles and instructional strategies for students with autism and developmental disabilities, in addition to general principles of behavior.
• Be a self-starter with flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and multiple competing demands.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Have the ability to collaborate with general education and special education colleagues, parents, and the broader Lee community.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the classroom and outdoor spaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.
• Must be able to perform appropriate physical restraints as trained.