Behavior Intervention Specialist

Overview

BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SPECIALIST
POUGHKEEPSIE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology or closely related field; OR
• Bachelor’s Degree and one (1) year of full-time paid work experience working with students in providing behavior management and/or counseling

NOTE:

Your degree or college credit must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accredited agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

• Apply behavior intervention methods and practices to maintain order and safety within a population including intellectually and developmentally disabled or at-risk students participating in a structured educational program.
• Observe when a student is a danger to themselves or others and provide appropriate physical intervention when necessary.
• Exercise personal judgment to handle problem situations in conformance with crisis intervention policies and procedures.
• Work under the general supervision of a higher-level administrator. Supervision of others is not a normal function of the position.

The following are indicative activities and are not all-inclusive; supervisors may assign additional duties as appropriate.

• Manage disruptive, assaultive, or out-of-control behaviors of students by providing appropriate therapeutic interventions which may require physical intervention when necessary.
• Remove disruptive students from classroom and non-classroom areas; maintain an effective time-out space and program for students requiring an alternative learning site.
• Assist in the classroom during crisis situations and be available in proximity to potential crisis situations.
• Maintain a controlled environment for students and staff in the building or facility grounds.
• Monitor major daily behavioral incidents to resolution and report status to clinical and administrative staff.
• Complete written behavioral summaries to assist teachers and administrators in developing appropriate learning experiences and behavior plans.
• Participate with staff in developing strategies and solutions for students experiencing difficulty with adjustment and behavior management problems.
• Monitor individual behaviors of students in cooperation with clinical and educational staff; make referrals for counseling or discipline as needed.
• Coach and support students in proper conflict-resolution skills and communication strategies; provide enrichment activities and reinforce a positive attitude within the program.
• Develop alternative activities including behavior modification and mediation strategies for targeted students returning from suspension; coordinate and monitor in-school suspension and after-school detention.
• Must be trained as a trainer in verbal and physical interventions.

Appointment will be made by the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the Superintendent following assessment of training, experience, certifications, credentials and evaluation of service. Personal interviews shall be scheduled where appropriate. This position will be appointed provisionally. You will be required to pass an exam to qualify for a permanent appointment.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of counseling and behavioral assessment techniques.
• Knowledge of conflict resolution, aggression management, crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.
• Knowledge of factors underlying youth development and growth.
• Knowledge of behavior management training.
• Ability to acquire familiarity with classroom routine.
• Ability to establish and maintain discipline.
• Ability to establish a rapport with students, including intellectually and developmentally disabled or at-risk students.
• Ability to remain clear and decisive in emergency and stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Personal characteristics necessary to perform the duties of the position.
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Poughkeepsie City School District

Together, We are Champions for Children in Poughkeepsie City Schools