Behavior Specialist

Job Description

Behavior Specialist

Location: Parma City School District

Reports To: Director of the Office of Exceptional Students (or designee)

Position Summary

The Behavior Specialist provides direct behavioral support, consultation, and coaching to students and staff in specialized and separate educational settings. This position supports the development, implementation, and monitoring of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), assists with Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs), and collaborates closely with IEP teams to promote positive student outcomes.

While this position does not require BCBA credentials, candidates must either hold a valid teaching license or be actively enrolled in coursework leading toward Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credentials. The Behavior Specialist works under the guidance of district leadership and, when applicable, in collaboration with a supervising BCBA.

Key Responsibilities

Behavioral Assessment & Intervention

• Lead and assist in conducting FBAs and analyzing behavioral data to identify patterns, functions, and contributing factors.
  
• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of individualized BIPs.
  
• Provide direct behavioral support and intervention for students with intensive behavioral needs.
  
• Monitor fidelity of behavior plan implementation and recommend data based adjustments as needed for students with autism spectrum disorder, emotional disturbance, and/or significant behavioral needs.

Collaboration & IEP Support

• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams
  
• Collaborate with IEP teams to align behavioral goals, supports, and services with identified student needs.
  
• Assist in writing and reviewing behavior-related IEP components, including goals, accommodations, and service descriptions.
  
• Partner with teachers, related service providers, administrators, and paraprofessionals to ensure consistent implementation of behavioral strategies across settings.

Staff Training & Coaching

• Provide coaching and modeling for staff on behavior strategies, data collection, de-escalation techniques, and proactive supports.
  
• Support RBTs, paraprofessionals, and classroom staff with behavior plan implementation and progress monitoring.
  
• Participate in crisis response and de-escalation efforts as needed, in accordance with district procedures.
  
• Working knowledge of applied behavior analysis principles and evidence-based behavioral interventions

Data Collection & Reporting

• Collect, review, and analyze behavioral data to monitor student progress.
  
• Interpret behavioral data and apply findings to instructional and behavioral planning
  
• Prepare progress summaries and contribute to required documentation for ETR meetings, IEP meetings and progress reports.
  
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements.
  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation requirements

Program Support

• Support writing and implementing district-wide, school-wide, and classroom-based behavior systems.
  
• Assist with transitions, new students, and planning for behavioral supports across settings.
  
• Provide classroom support when necessary to ensure student safety and continuity of services.
  
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and student-centered during high-stress situations.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications (one of the following pathways):

• Valid BCBA or BCaBA credential with current COBA credential

OR

• Valid Ohio teaching license
  
  OR
  
• Active enrollment in coursework leading toward BCBA certification (verified through an accredited program)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Education, or a related field
  
• CPI, PMT, or other crisis intervention training, or willingness to obtain.