What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavior Specialist position at Liberal USD 480?
Behavior Specialist - Districtwide
Position Purpose
The Behavior Specialist provides leadership, coordination, and direct support to schools in the development and implementation of effective, inclusive behavioral practices across USD 480. This position is responsible for building internal capacity by coaching staff, strengthening Tier 1 systems, and supporting building and district behavior teams to improve outcomes for all students, PreK–12.
This role is designed to transition the district from reliance on external behavioral consultation to a sustainable, internally led model of support.
Reports To
- Director of Special Education
- District Intervention Coordinator
Key Responsibilities
District-Level Leadership & Systems Support
- Lead and support the implementation and continuous improvement of district-wide behavior systems aligned with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (SIT) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- Collaborate with district and building leadership teams to align behavior supports with district goals and initiatives
- Support the ongoing development and effectiveness of Building-Level Behavior Teams and the District Behavior Team
- Assist in creating and maintaining systems for data collection, analysis, and decision-making related to student behavior
Coaching & Capacity Building
- Provide ongoing coaching, modeling, and feedback to teachers, paraprofessionals, and building teams on evidence-based behavior strategies and inclusive classroom practices ? Support staff in increasing student access and engagement through proactive behavior supports
- Develop and facilitate professional learning opportunities for staff across the district, including paras
Tier 1 Instructional Support
- Strengthen Tier 1 (universal) behavioral supports across all classrooms ? Assist teachers in implementing effective classroom management systems, routines, and expectations
- Promote inclusive practices that support diverse learners within general education settings
- Monitor fidelity of Tier 1 implementation and provide targeted support as needed Student & Building Support
- Provide direct support to buildings for students with behavioral needs, including observation, problem-solving, and intervention planning
- Assist teams in developing and implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) when appropriate
- Support crisis prevention and response planning in collaboration with building teams ? Coordinate with related service providers, including school psychologists, counselors, and educational audiologists as applicable
- Other duties as assigned
Collaboration with External Partners
- Collaborate with external partners and consultants to:
? Receive coaching and feedback
? Support implementation of Tier 1 supports
? Problem-solve complex cases and systems challenges
- Gradually reduce reliance on external consultants as internal capacity increases Professional Development & Training
- Coordinate and deliver district-wide training aligned with behavior supports and inclusive practices
- Ensure participating staff receive:
? Targeted training in Tiered Behaviors of Support
? Access to instructional materials and resources
? Ongoing coaching and implementation support
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Education required; Master’s degree in Special Education, School Psychology, Behavior Analysis, or related field preferred; Behavior Certification - BCBA ? Valid Kansas teaching or service license required
- Demonstrated experience with SIT, PBIS, or similar frameworks
- Strong knowledge of behavior intervention strategies, classroom management and inclusion, functional behavior assessment (FBA), and behavior planning ? Experience providing coaching and professional development to adults preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Ability to coach and support adult learners in a variety of settings
- Data-based decision-making and problem-solving skills ? Knowledge of inclusive practices and differentiated instruction ? Ability to work collaboratively across departments and grade levels ? Strong organizational and communication skills
Work Schedule
- Full-time position
- Regular travel between district buildings required