Introduction

The\r\nMaryland School for the Deaf (MSD) is a diverse, bilingual community who in\r\npartnership with families, provides an equitable and exemplary education in a\r\nnurturing, engaging and challenging environment to ensure our students achieve\r\npersonal excellence and become lifelong learners.� As such, we are looking\r\nfor dedicated individuals who can join us in the education of the children at\r\nMSD.\r\n

LOCATION OF POSITION

MSD,\r\nColumbia Campus, 8169 Old Montgomery Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043\r\n

Main Purpose of Job

Under the supervision of the Director of Mental Health and Behavioral Support Services, the MSD Student Support Specialist collaboratively assesses maladaptive student behavior and designs intervention plans that provide evidence-based strategies to help support student learning and development. Additionally, the Student Support Specialist provides consultation to school personnel regarding current best practices related to behavior management by offering individual instruction / coaching, as well as departmental and school-wide professional development training to support staff in their implementation of recommended strategies.\r\n

POSITION DUTIES

The Student Support Specialist\r\nwill:\r\n● Assist staff in defining and\r\nmeasuring behavior; identifying antecedents, consequences, and functions of\r\nbehavior (Functional Behavior Assessment - FBA); understanding principles of\r\nreinforcement; teaching new or replacement behavior; and implementing strategies\r\nfor weakening target maladaptive behavior.\r\n● Collaboratively assess and design\r\nbehavior intervention programs (BIP); establish measurable goals and objectives\r\nthat are specifically designed to address the presenting behavior(s); and\r\nmonitor student progress.\r\n● Attends and participates in a\r\nvariety of meetings (e.g., IEP), conferences and professional development\r\ntraining as assigned.\r\n● Ensure a safe, non-threatening,\r\nnurturing learning environment where students can thrive. In doing so, the\r\nStudent Support Specialist will respond to and support students in crisis\r\nsituations (i.e., may cause harm to themselves or others).\r\n● Engage parents in the behavior\r\nassessment and intervention process, and empower parents by providing them with\r\nskills and techniques to support the positive behavior development of their\r\nchild.\r\n● Consult with members of the mental\r\nhealth team, including the school psychologist, social worker, and counselor;\r\nand support conflict resolution and peer mediation sessions.\r\n● Review behavior referrals /\r\nincident reports and conduct follow-up with staff and families.\r\n● Serve as a consultant to\r\nadministrators, teachers, and parents on issues related to school behavior,\r\nincluding school-wide positive behavior intervention and support (PBIS).\r\n● Provides professional development\r\nto teachers, aides, and specialists regarding best practices for behavior\r\nmanagement� and factors that can affect\r\nimplementation of interventions.\r\n● Prepares and maintains a variety\r\nof reports, records and files related to students’ IEPs.\r\nDevelops and provides behavior related training\r\nto families.\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

\r\nEducation: A Master’s Degree in Education,\r\nSocial Work, or related field is required.� A Master's with BCBA or working\r\ntowards BCBA is desirable but not required.\r\n\r\n\r\nExperience: Experience working with students with special\r\nneeds (e.g., autism; intellectual disability) is required.� Experience working with students who are deaf and hard of hearing, and knowledge of Deaf community is required.� Must be proficient in American Sign Language (ASL) and written English.��\r\n

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

\r\nMust be able to conceptualize and\r\nassess complex behavioral issues/cases and clearly communicate findings and\r\nrecommendations with staff and families.\r\n\r\n\r\nKnowledge of IEPs, FBAs and BIPs is required.\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

New hires are subject to a\r\ncriminal background investigation at their own expense (Maryland Code, Family Law\r\nArticle 1, Sections 5-560 – 5-568)\r\n\r\n\r\nCandidates will need to provide three letters of\r\nrecommendation with their application.\r\n

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS\r\n�\r\n

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online application process is STRONGLY preferred.� If online access is not available or if you encounter difficulty, you may submit via mail, e-mail, fax, or deliver in person before the closing date and time.� Please include your name and recruitment number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.� Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the online or paper application.� Additional or supplemental information must be submitted by the closing date and time.��A copy of your college transcripts must accompany your application.� The preferred method to receive transcripts and additional information is for�them to be uploaded.� Application inquiries or supplemental information can be directed to the following:\r\n\r\n\r\nMailing Address: Maryland School for the Deaf, Recruitment Department, P. O. Box 894, Columbia, MD 21044\r\n\r\n\r\nE-mail: emily.hicks@msd.edu\r\n\r\n\r\nPhone: 410-696-3031, TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay\r\n\r\n\r\nFax:�410-696-3084\r\n\r\n\r\nIndividuals from traditionally underserved and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.� As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to�recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.� We thank our veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n