Educational Paraprofessional Position

Job Description:

Position: Behavior Specialist

Reports To: Director/Supervisor for Special Services & Building Principal

Compensation: $23.24-$28.48 per hour worked

Work Year: 10 month position (late August - mid June)

Weekly Hours: Will vary (range 25 - 32.5 hours per week)

Daily Hours: Monday - Friday (start and end times will vary based on building assignment; incl 30 minute unpaid lunch)

Duties of the position may include the following:

• Maintain a high level of fairness, respect and equity with students, families and staff;

• Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families and staff;

• Be able to work independently with small groups of students in various environments;

• Apply behavioral principles consistently in all interactions with clients and caregivers;

• Implement treatment plans under the direction of a BCBA/BCBA consultant;

• Provide individual support to students with identified behavioral concerns and needs;

• Consistently implement behavior plans to reduce client's socially inappropriate behavior and promote appropriate social behaviors, including skills in emotional regulation and problem solving;

• Effectively respond to and manage crisis situations which may include client physical aggression;

• Teach communication skills, social skills, self-help skills, and play skills through Applied Behavior Analysis principles;

• Work with students to effectively prevent discipline problems and promote relationship building;

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with co-workers, teachers, community partners, and administrative team;

• Implement and support behavior plans and strategies under teacher direction;

• Complete daily documentation and data collection notes in a detailed, accurate, consistent and timely manner; Collect and record student data adhering to the supervising teachers' directions and requirements;

• Accept work direction willingly, shift work assignments and accept changes and new job assignments as needed;

• Consult daily with special education teacher regarding daily responsibilities;

• Provide personal assistance to students, as needed, to address mobility, positioning, personal care, daily activities, and utilizing the restroom;

• Facilitate students with developing communication skills, social skills, academic skills, self-help skills and promoting independence;

• Ability to be trained in and implement Crisis Prevention and Intervention strategies, including de-escalation strategies and physical restraints;

• Utilize various forms of technology, including assistive technology, to support students learning and communication needs;

• As part of the daily work assignment, may be scheduled to ride the bus (before/after school) with students who require adult supervision;

Minimum Qualifications:

• Hold Associates Degree, have completed a minimum of 60 college credit hours, or have successfully completed ParaPro Assessment;

• Possess Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) credential and Trauma Informed Practices/Strategies training, or willing to participate in and successfully complete training in ABA/DTI Strategies and Trauma Informed Practices/Strategies trainings;

• Ability to work under the direction of classroom teacher and specialists;

• Experience working with students with special needs; highly preferred individuals who have specific training and/or experience with students with significant cognitive, social/emotional and learning needs;

• Ability to work cooperatively with administration, regular education teachers, support staff and parents;

• Ability to work with all levels of students with special needs and disabilities in general education settings, and/or special education settings including WPS district's special education programs;

• Must have capability to follow teacher and related staff instructions in regard to work modifications and behavior plans;

• Ability to review developmental and remedial materials in a clear and efficient manner;

• Ability to assist teacher in handling interruptions/emergencies, move swiftly, and hold training (or show ability to be trained) to perform physical restraint in case of emergency;

• Must be able to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds;

• Ability to participate on Crisis Intervention Team including certification or willing to participate in Crisis Prevention Training including the use of restraint/seclusion practices;

All applicants must apply on-line at http://www.generalasp.com/wethersfield/onlineapp/default.aspx