Behavioral Intervention Specialist (K-8)

Falk Laboratory School , a coeducational K-8 school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, seeks one full-time Behavior Intervention Specialist to work collaboratively with students, teachers, and families to help facilitate positive interactions within the school environment, allowing all students to integrate behaviorally into the school setting successfully. The Behavior Intervention Specialist has the training to address behaviors that create barriers to learning and healthy relationships in the school. This person will provide direct and consultative services in the school setting for responsive, preventative, and interventive purposes. In addition, the Behavior Intervention Specialist works directly with identified students to develop and self-sustain positive behaviors that support their growth academically and behaviorally. Under the supervision of the director of Student Services and Division directors, the Behavior Intervention Specialist will provide diversified strategies and activities specifically designed for identified students. This position will start in August 2024.

Salary range is competitive and commensurate with experience. Falk Laboratory School, a department in the School of Education at the University of Pittsburgh, offers excellent benefits.  

Responsibilities:

• Collaborating with school personnel to communicate and uphold universal school expectations to effectively include social validity and equitable support.
• Working with faculty to develop classroom practices that support student growth and engagement.
• When necessary, identify, measure, and respond to challenging behaviors, including antecedents and follow-through.
• Facilitating team meetings with the identified student’s teachers and parents to complete a Functional Behavioral Assessment.
• Attending regular Student Services team meetings and collaborating with other members (learning specialists, counselors, and the Director of Student Services) to determine effective plans for individual students.
• Develop a repertoire of assessment strategies consistent with instructional goals, teaching methods, and individual student needs to assess student behavior skills and understandings accurately.
• Establishing relationships and communicating with teachers, administrators, and family members.
• Work as a team member to establish and show commitment towards a restorative practices program at Falk.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting behavior in either a school or therapeutic setting. Counseling experience is not required, but is considered a plus.
• Knowledge of function-based intervention planning for developing positive interactions across all environments.
• Knowledge of techniques needed to complete effective Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), function–based interventions, and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).
• Knowledge in using assessment and assessment data to inform instruction and prescribe work plans for individual students.
• Ascribes to the philosophy that all children can succeed and demonstrates the commitment to do what is necessary to make this a reality.
• Demonstrates an inquiry stance approach to behavioral support.
• Strong knowledge of culturally responsive practices.
• Possesses training to take relevant data to help track and modify inappropriate behavior.
• Prepared to develop, implement, and maintain student data collection and progress monitoring system for students with behavior disorders and other exceptionalities.
• A commitment to restorative practices, diversity, equity, and inclusion work. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master's Degree in special education (or related field) preferred
• PA state school counseling certification K-8 (or similar) preferred
• Elementary/middle school experience is advantageous, and interesting work and/or educational experience in psychology and counseling is beneficial for the position
• Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis is a plus

Materials can be uploaded to join.pitt.edu . For full consideration, please submit: 

1.     Letter of application

2.     A Resume

3.     An educational philosophy statement

4.     Three letters of recommendation

5.     Official transcripts

6.     PA instructional certificate or equivalent

Offer of employment is contingent on the candidate satisfactorily obtaining and passing the following before commencement of appointment: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Criminal Record Check.  Candidates must also submit proof of a negative TB test before their first day of work if hired.  Also, as Act 168 of 2014 requires, the candidate must satisfy the requirements on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release Form.

For full consideration, please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae/resume, an educational philosophy, three letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and PA instructional certificate or equivalent.

The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.