Behavioral Support Specialist

Overview

Are you driven by the mission of empowering students to overcome behavioral challenges and thrive academically? We are seeking a dedicated individual who is committed to fostering a positive learning environment by addressing behaviors that hinder students' educational access, and who can guide educators in effectively supporting all students. As a Behavior Support Specialist at Verde K-8 in Richmond, CA, you'll be at the forefront of implementing behavior strategies in the school while developing and assisting educators in the implementation of interventions.

As a Behavior Support Specialist, you'll play a crucial part in the school community, working to create a nurturing and empowering educational environment by addressing and shaping student behaviors. You'll not only work directly with students but also serve as a valuable resource for educators on campus, offering coaching, modeling, training and collaborative strategies to empower them in effectively supporting student behaviors.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Seneca's West Coast Connections School Partnership Program in Contra Costa County partners with public district and charter schools to provide essential educational services aimed at identifying and intervening for children in critical need within the community. You can learn more about Seneca's School Partnership Programs and Unconditional Education model here.

ABOUT SENECA

Seneca Family of Agencies has been nominated among the Bay Area's Top Workplaces for several consecutive years. We're committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities with a network of excellent mental health, community-based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourage people of color to apply. Our programs are deeply engaged in conversations and training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct behavioral support to students exhibiting challenging behaviors, including one-on-one and small group support

• Accurately document student behavior data, intervention strategies, progress towards goals, and ensure timely completion of service billing documentation

• Collaborate closely with teachers, therapists, and other educational professionals as a cohesive member of a diverse team working collectively to support student success and well-being

• Establish and nurture impactful therapeutic connections with students, fostering their active engagement in school activities and facilitating their progress on goals

• Provide guidance and coaching to enhance Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) at the individual, classroom, and school-wide levels, ensuring effective implementation and sustained support

• Deliver targeted coaching for teachers and support staff to strengthen their behavioral intervention skills and expand their repertoire

• Develop and facilitate group activities tailored to enhance student academic progress, social skills development, and recreational engagement, ensuring alignment with individualized needs and goals

• Establish and maintain clear and proactive communication channels with families, as well as all stakeholders involved in the student's daily life, including coordination with other Seneca programs and external agencies

• Engage in Seneca's crisis response model, Equilibrium, or other Seneca approved crisis response model, if trained, to employ crisis communication and de-escalation techniques, ensuring the safety and well-being of others

• This may include intervening with the students' using physical management, if applicable

• Demonstrate professional behavior at all times in accordance with Seneca's mission and philosophy

• All other duties as assigned by program, region, and agency leadership

Qualifications

• Education/Experience requirements:

• Bachelor's degree + 2 years of applicable experience OR

• Associate degree + 3 year of applicable experience OR

• High school diploma/GED + 4 years of applicable experience

• Applicable experience is defined as experience working with children who exhibit extremely challenging behaviors

• Reliable transportation to and from the school site and other occasional meeting spots

• TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements

• Proof of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination or an HR-approved medical/religious exemption

Schedule

• School based Schedule

• Monday to Friday: 8 AM- 4:30 PM (ability to work occasional flexible schedule when the school needs vary)

• 5 weeks of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and 14 paid school break days

Benefits

• Starting salary ranging from $26.78- $29.28 per hour, with actual salary dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualifications for the role

• Opportunity for a salary increase upon passing a bilingual language proficiency exam

• Salary increases each year

• Comprehensive employee benefits package:

• Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverage

• Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance

• Partially paid premiums for dependants

• 403b retirement plan

• Employer-Paid Assistance Plan

• 5 weeks of paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and 14 paid school break days

• Expert training and scholarship opportunities, including embedded Special Education, MFT, and MSW graduate degrees