ASPIRA – Behavior Specialist

Position Summary

ASPIRA of Illinois seeks to achieve academic excellence for every scholar in a culturally relevant learning environment that empowers scholars through high-quality education, youth development, and civic engagement. ASPIRA strives to ensure all scholars are prepared for post-secondary education and meaningful careers.

Position Summary The School Behavior Specialist is a dedicated professional who plays a critical role in promoting positive student behavior, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment, and supporting students’ social and emotional well-being. This role requires a deep understanding of behavioral interventions, collaboration with teachers and administrators, and the ability to work with students facing behavioral challenges.

ASPIRA Behavior Specialist Essential Functions:

• Consult with the school-based Leadership Teams to identify priorities, develop action plans, and monitor progress of student SEL progress
• Provide individualized, classroom-based coaching to support teachers in implementing best practices to promote SEL, establishing supportive learning environments, and developing supportive classroom management practices
• Model best practices and teach sample lessons when appropriate
• Provide regular updates to the Director of Special Education and Associate Director of Special Education regarding program progress
• Participate in a bi-weekly professional learning communities
• Informally observe in classrooms in which a behavior management system is utilized
• Evaluate the current behavior management system approaches in classrooms, and their effectiveness in addressing students’ behaviors
• Assist in the formal or informal evaluation of problematic, individual student behavior
• Assist staff in the creation of a student behavior intervention plan and implementation of a BIP
• Review sample data collection systems and assist staff in selecting and utilizing a data collection system for individual problematic behavior or classroom management systems
• Provide sample behavioral strategies for staff related to the problematic behaviors, modeling strategies as needed
• Identify and recommend appropriate curriculum for programs serving students with significant emotional needs
• Provide training to staff in small or large group forums to enhance their understanding of problematic behaviors
• Provide training to staff in small or large group forums to enhance the skills needed to carry out behavior interventions
• Provide training in small or large group forums to provide training in safely addressing verbally or physically aggressive students
• Act as a liaison between any or all parties charged with addressing the student’s problematic behaviors with a focus on improving a positive relationship between school and home
• Attend meetings and/or case conferences to review, refine, or create a student’s services
• Attend three days of additional training annually
• Other duties as assigned.
• Qualifications : Bachelor’s in social work, Psychology, or related degree
• Experience (3-5 years minimum) working in or with an urban education system with a focus on social, emotional, and behavioral supports strongly preferred
• Classroom teaching or clinical experience (3-5 years minimum)
• Experience providing coaching and technical assistance to peer and non-peer audiences
• Deep knowledge of instructional practices that promote supportive learning environments and build social and emotional skills
• Familiarity with Illinois SEL Standards and evidence-based approaches for SEL in the classroom
• Knowledge of best practices in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to meet students’ social and emotional needs
• Knowledge of adolescent learning styles and best practices for coaching and providing feedback
• Ability to develop respectful professional relationships, build trust with teachers
• Cultural competency and ability to navigate and promote sensitivity with issues of race and equity
• Ability to coordinate and collaborate with diverse groups of professionals across multiple departments and organizations
• Experience coordinating and delivering professional development for a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Skilled multi-tasker and excellent time manager; ability to effectively achieve multiple goals and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong analytical, time management, organizational and interpersonal skills
• Passion and urgency for the critical role of the Behavior Specialist for improving the lives of students and families throughout the district
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel and Power point.)
• Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and agencies associated with the school
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field
• A minimum of two years of experience working with middle or high school students
• Hold a IL Teaching certificate (ISBE verified))
• Excellent computer skills
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Bilingual – Spanish/English Preferred

Statement of other duties: This document describes the major duties, responsibilities, and authorities of this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time.