Intensive Behavior and SEL Special Educator

FLSA Status: Exempt

To learn more about Harwood Unified Union School District and our schools, visit https://huusd.org/our-schools

The Intensive Behavior and SEL Special Educator provides highly individualized behavioral and social-emotional learning (SEL) support for students with significant behavioral challenges. The Special Educator coordinates and oversees intensive interventions and specialized instruction for identified students in collaboration with teachers, parents/caregivers, students, paraprofessionals, behavior interventionists, behavior consultants, and related professionals.

This position focuses on behavioral support services and academic instruction designed to help students meet Vermont learning expectations in the least restrictive environment while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Students assigned may include:

• Students with IEPs identified for intensive behavior and SEL services
• Students with 504 plans or intervention plans requiring these supports

Create and maintain a trauma-sensitive learning environment built on respect, rapport, and student safety.

Support the inclusion of assigned students within regular education settings using least restrictive environment practices.

Coordinate services and ensure productive use of assigned support staff.

Develop, implement, and monitor:

• Behavior management plans
• Crisis prevention/intervention plans
• SEL supports
• Specialized programming for assigned students

Collaborate with Special Educators and district specialists to assess student competencies, daily living skills, and social-emotional needs.

Monitor students for signs of disruptive behavior, including:

• Verbal outbursts
• Violence
• Destructive behaviors

Implement de-escalation strategies and proactive interventions to support student success.

Identify and implement appropriate assistive technology.

Maintain a safe learning environment and take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, and facilities.

Integrate current best practices and research in:

• Behavior management
• Self-regulation
• Executive functioning
• Special education
• SEL instruction

Facilitate collaborative teaming and support successful transitions between classrooms and programs.

Use assessment data to collaboratively develop:

• Standards-based instructional interventions
• Remedial services
• Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Develop specialized SEL and behavior-based programming utilizing research-based practices.

Collect and analyze student and program-level data.

Coordinate school and community resources to support implementation of:

• IEPs
• 504 Plans
• EST plans
• Behavior plans
• Other remedial services

Collaborate with:

• School Psychologists
• Social Workers
• SLPs
• OT/PT providers
• Behavior Interventionists
• BCBAs
• Other internal and external professionals/agencies

Support classroom teachers in adapting:

• Curriculum
• Instruction
• Assessments
• Learning activities
• Behavior management strategies

Interpret educational and clinical findings to determine eligibility and monitor student progress.

Teach discrete and lagging behavioral and self-regulation skills to improve student functioning and success.

Use social skills curricula and SEL programming to promote:

• Prosocial behavior
• Emotional regulation
• Conflict resolution
• De-escalation strategies

Provide effective, timely feedback regarding student progress to:

• Parents/caregivers
• Students
• School professionals

Participate actively in:

• School events
• Workshops
• In-service meetings
• Staff meetings
• District committees and projects

Engage in ongoing professional development aligned with district goals and school strategic plans.

Maintain current knowledge of:

• Best practices
• Educational research
• Special education laws and regulations

Demonstrate professionalism and student-centered decision making.

Support and uphold HUUSD policies, procedures, and regulations.

Reports to the School Principal with input and technical direction from the Director of Student Support Services and Director of Curriculum.

Provides direction and support to assigned paraeducators, including:

• Planning and assigning work
• Monitoring quality of work
• Supporting training and implementation

Participates in hiring, evaluation, and continued employment recommendations for assigned support staff.

• Master’s degree preferred in:
• Special Education
• Related educational discipline
• Bachelor’s degree with equivalent experience may be considered
• 3–4 years of relevant experience preferred

Preferred experience includes:

• Vermont Special Education Law
• Vermont public school systems
• Psycho-educational environments
• Social/emotional programming in schools

• Valid Vermont Professional Educator License required
• 3-82 or 3-85 endorsement required
• Level II preferred

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• Human development and learning differences
• Disabilities and behavioral challenges
• Research-based instructional and intervention strategies
• Assessment and progress monitoring
• Consultation, collaboration, and case management

Strong understanding of:

• Student social-emotional development
• Cultural responsiveness
• Family and community context

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with students, staff, families, and outside agencies
• Resolve conflicts and manage stress effectively
• Write reports and procedural documentation
• Interpret educational and technical materials

Basic computer proficiency required, including:

• Word processing
• Microsoft Office applications
• Adaptive technology and software

Ability to:

• Sit, stand, and walk frequently throughout the day
• Use hands/fingers continuously for instructional and computer tasks
• Lift:
• Up to 10 lbs frequently
• Up to 50 lbs occasionally
• Bend, crouch, kneel, reach, and manage physically active student situations

Regular exposure to:

• Noise and active school environments
• Viruses and infectious diseases
• Outdoor weather conditions
• Stressful and high-needs situations requiring conflict resolution and crisis response

The Intensive Behavior and SEL Special Educator provides specialized behavioral, social-emotional, and academic support for students with intensive needs. This role ensures implementation of individualized programming, promotes inclusive educational opportunities, and supports safe, trauma-sensitive learning environments through collaboration, evidence-based practice, and student-centered instruction.

Salary : $49,200 - $98,400