Behavior Specialist (Kennedy Krieger Schools-Fairmount Campus-Lower/Middle School)

Overview
The Behavior Specialist works in coordination with classroom, Mental Health/Clinical, and Related Services staff to provide Behavioral Services to students. Under the supervision of the Manager of Behavioral Services, Dean of Students, Director of Psychological and Behavioral Services, the Behavior Specialist will serve as case manager for the behavioral programming of individual students.
A primary responsibility is the development and implementation of Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP). The Behavior Specialist will facilitate and document the development of the BIP as well as conduct and document Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and provide staff training.
This staff member will also monitor the efficacy of the BIP through data collection and graphing. Additional responsibilities include the development and implementation of crisis management procedures and the provision of behavioral support in the classroom.
At the Fairmount Campus, we are committed to providing special education program in which the uniqueness of each student is valued and understood. We want to enable students to reach their potential in all aspects of life – academically, socially and behaviorally – and help lead them toward the ultimate goal of nurturing their independence now and in the future.
Our curriculum focuses on building essential skills based on standards and curricula identified by the Maryland State Department of Education. Students receive ongoing instruction in reading/English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, health, music, fine arts and career development.
We are a nonpublic special education day program approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. We operate on an 11-month program schedule.
Responsibilities

• Conduct in-services as needed. When certified, conduct PCM trainings.
• Coordinate and implement responses to behavioral crises as part of school-wide crisis management procedures.
• Initiate and monitor data collection systems related to student behavior. Summarize, graph, and analyze data. Share data with classroom teams.
• Train classroom staff in the implementation of BIPs and data collection systems. Monitor fidelity of implementation.
• Where appropriate, provide consultation to LSS transportation staff regarding behavior management on the bus.
• Develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) for students on caseload. Update BIPs as needed to ensure compliance with all regulations and school procedures.
• As required by school procedures, complete all necessary documentation of contacts with parents, transportation providers, and other agencies.
• Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA). This includes the collection of data through interview, logs, and direct observation. Act as Behavior Resource Case Manager to coordinate team input on FBA. Write FBA reports and present at teams, including IEP meetings.
• Facilitate and implement the school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports system.
• Provide ongoing monitoring of progress on behavioral goals. Produce quarterly progress reports, annual summaries, aide justifications/fade plans, FBA reports and BIPs. Attend and present at IEP meetings.

Qualifications
EDUCATION:
A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in a related field (i.e., psychology, behavior analysis, or special education).
EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of two years of previous experience with disabled populations is required; experience with individuals with autism or related behavioral challenges is preferred.
RELATED TRAINING:

• PCM training will be provided by department.
• Employee must achieve and maintain PCM certification at the “Practioner-2” level according to the timeline established within the departmental policy. Employee must also achieve and maintain PCM certification at the “Instructor” level as training becomes available.

Benefits
Kennedy Krieger Institute offers excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401K with match, tuition reimbursement, free parking and child care subsidies! In addition, we offer rich professional development opportunities.
We require full COVID vaccination or documentation of medical and/or religious exemption(s) approval for this job as we are a healthcare institution committed to putting health and safety first for our patients, students, employees, and the communities we serve.
EOE/M/F/D/V