Behavior Program Specialist - LPS

QUALIFICATION

• EDUCATION: Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling is required (LMSW, LISW, LMHC)
• LICENSURE:
  • Must have an active Social Work license issued by Iowa Board of Social Work Examiners or Iowa Board of Behavioral Sciences
  • Must be eligible for licensure (SPR or licensure) by Iowa Board of Education Examiner
• EXPERIENCE: Previous experience with children and families in human services/mental health setting and/or educational setting is desired

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Takes on an active role in the Leadership Team for Lakes Partnership School
• Provides collaborative program oversight; emphasising on behavior programming
• Fosters and maintains a positive and effective relationship among colleagues, staff, clients, and community stakeholders
• Access appropriate agencies and outside resources
• Cooperates with partnering school districts in building and supporting capacity
• Promotes a shared responsibility for student achievement with families, team members, and partnering districts through the intake and transition process of LPS
• Utilizes appropriate data for oversight of program outcomes and student achievement
• Collaborates on professional development for school staff as well as maintains documentation of ongoing staff development
• Manages student crisis situation protocols
• Communicates clearly and shares program objectives with school personnel, students, local school district, parents, and AEA staff
• Treats children suffering from mental, emotional, or behavioral health challenges
• Completes individual or group counseling to assist children in overcoming challenges, adjusting to life, and making changes 
• Guides children in their personal growth and skill development
• Counsels and collaborate with family members to assist in understanding, dealing with, and supporting their children’s needs
• Applies evidence-based practices and interventions
• Promotes a healthy environment through coaching and positive mental health support while fostering growth and resilience for students and team members 
• Provides staff development with LPS staff in the areas of Behavior and Mental Health
• Collaborates with classroom teachers to conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments and develop/consult in the development of Behavioral Intervention Plans
• Informally uses diagnostic skills to provide information in the development of behavior/support plans for students and link them to appropriate services
• Models and coaches school personnel on implementation of behavior plans
• Participates in identification and consult on the development of Tier 2 and 3 intervention plans, data collection and parent meetings for at-risk students with challenging behaviors
• Participates in IEP meetings for students with significant social/emotional or behavioral needs
• Adheres to the professional standards and ethics of the profession

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge or willingness to learn of the components of an IEP (Individualized Educational Plan)
• Knowledge or willingness to learn the process of entitlement for special education services.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn of FBAs/BIPs: purpose and how to construct.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn how to coach and support school staff.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn about a-typical child development and how that looks in a school setting.
• Knowledge or willingness to attain broad understanding of the Iowa Professional Development Model (IPDM)
• Knowledge or willingness to attain a broad understanding of ESSA and DA. (Every Student Succeeds Act and Differentiated Accountability)
• Ability to work with a diverse population, both students and school staff.
• Ability to work under timelines.
• Ability to be a self-starter when providing supports for school district caseloads.
• Ability to manage time and calendar proficiently while meeting school and agency expectations.
• Ability to demonstrate strong listening skills.
• Ability to actively and effectively plan and organize.
• Ability to build healthy relationships with other people.
• Ability to learn and apply learnings to new environments.
• Skills within communication, proficient to communicate effectively with various populations.
• Skills within flexibility, being able to adapt in order to better meet the needs of the student, family or school staff.

COMMON TO ALL LICENSED EMPLOYEES: 

• Maintains confidentiality
• Uses effective oral, written, and collaborative skills.
• Is self-motivated, reliable, organized, detail and quality-oriented
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills
• Uses Microsoft products and web-based tools proficiently and learns to use new applications and resources
• Engages in continuous improvement of professional practice through collaborative teams and individual study
• Builds skills needed to perform job duties and meet agency goals
• Understands Iowa Teaching Standards and alternative AEA criteria
• Supports and uses data-based decision making at all levels in a system
• Supports the belief that all students can achieve age- or grade-level standards
• Supports the belief that implementation of MTSS will support students to achieve age- or grade-level standards
• Prevents and resolves conflicts using effective problem-solving skills
• Supports use of data to inform and advance teaching and learning

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to travel between schools and sites served.

Normal, routine levels of activity related to bending, carrying, climbing, hearing, lifting, reaching, sitting, standing, vision and walking, and may also involve above-average levels of activity at times that can’t always be anticipated.