School Behavioral Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the education landscape, the focus on School Behavioral Specialists is increasingly significant.

As educational needs evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can support, manage, and enhance students’ behavior grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected of a School Behavioral Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to grasp the core of this role,
• A hiring manager delineating the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of behavioral management in schools,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable School Behavioral Specialist job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

School Behavioral Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

School Behavioral Specialists work in educational settings where they provide expert advice, intervention strategies, and support to address behavioral challenges.

They work with students who exhibit disruptive or challenging behaviors, with the aim of improving their emotional, social, and academic outcomes.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating student behavior and developing individualized intervention strategies
• Observing students in classrooms, during lunch, or other school activities to assess behaviors
• Providing advice and guidance to teachers and school staff on how to manage challenging behaviors
• Developing and implementing behavioral management programs
• Conducting individual and group counseling sessions
• Collaborating with parents, teachers, and other professionals to create supportive environments
• Training school staff to implement behavioral strategies and interventions
• Keeping detailed records of students’ progress and adjusting plans as necessary
• Referring students to appropriate specialists when necessary

 

School Behavioral Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated School Behavioral Specialist to join our team.

In this role, you will be tasked with providing professional expertise in the area of student behavior management, conducting behavioral assessments, developing intervention strategies, and providing staff and parent training.

Your focus will be on helping children develop social skills and improve academic performance.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct functional behavioral assessments of students with behavioral concerns.
• Develop and implement behavioral intervention plans.
• Provide consultation and training to school staff and parents regarding behavior management strategies.
• Collaborate with other school professionals (teachers, administrators, school psychologists, etc.) to meet student needs.
• Evaluate student progress and adjust intervention plans as needed.
• Maintain accurate and complete student records.
• Attend and contribute to relevant meetings and professional development sessions.

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Education, or related field.
• Certification as a School Behavioral Specialist.
• Proven experience working with children with a variety of behavioral challenges.
• Excellent understanding of behavior analysis principles and strategies.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Compassion and patience to work with students of different backgrounds and behaviors.

 

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School Behavioral Specialist
• Work Environment: School setting, with occasional need to visit students’ homes or other educational settings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal or Director of Student Services.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a School Behavioral Specialist Do?

School Behavioral Specialists typically work in schools, assisting students in managing their behaviors to improve their learning experiences and social interactions.

Their primary role involves working closely with teachers, counselors, and parents to develop and implement behavior intervention plans aimed at promoting positive behaviors and reducing disruptive ones.

They perform assessments and observations of students to understand the root causes of behavioral issues and to identify triggers in their environment.

This information is then used to design personalized behavior management strategies.

School Behavioral Specialists also provide guidance and training to school staff on how to handle behavioral problems in the classroom.

They often run workshops and training sessions on different topics related to student behavior management.

Additionally, they may work one-on-one with students, teaching them social skills, self-regulation techniques, and coping mechanisms.

They are also involved in crisis intervention, providing immediate support and assistance to students who may exhibit severe behavioral problems.

Moreover, School Behavioral Specialists maintain records of students’ progress and behavior patterns, and communicate regularly with parents and other professionals involved in the child’s care.

They play an essential role in creating a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment.

 

School Behavioral Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient School Behavioral Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with the role, including:

• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport and trust with students, teachers, parents, and administrators.
• Knowledge of behavioral and mental health disorders, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based interventions.
• Ability to conduct behavioral assessments, develop behavior intervention plans, and monitor progress.
• Experience with conflict resolution and crisis intervention techniques to handle challenging situations.
• Communication skills to effectively relay information about student behavior to educators and parents.
• Patience and empathy to deal with students who may have behavioral or emotional difficulties.
• Problem-solving skills to develop and implement effective solutions for behavioral challenges.
• Strong organizational skills to manage caseloads, maintain accurate records, and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of local, state and federal laws pertaining to student rights and school responsibilities related to special education and behavioral intervention.

 

School Behavioral Specialist Experience Requirements

School Behavioral Specialists typically require a minimum of a Master’s degree in Psychology, Education, Behavioral Analysis, or a related field.

Before becoming a School Behavioral Specialist, these professionals often spend several years in related roles such as school counselor, psychologist or special education teacher to gain relevant experience in the field of education and psychology.

Entry-level candidates usually have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through internships or part-time roles in school settings.

These individuals may have experience working with students with behavioral issues, providing classroom support, or implementing behavioral intervention plans.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often well-versed in various behavior intervention strategies and are experienced in collaborating with teachers, parents, and other school staff to create an effective and supportive learning environment for students with behavioral needs.

Those with more than 5 years of experience might also have some leadership experience, having led teams of professionals to develop and implement school-wide behavioral intervention plans.

They may also have experience in training and supervising new hires or interns, and they are typically ready for a more managerial or supervisory position.

Some roles may require the School Behavioral Specialist to have specific certifications, such as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification, which requires additional education and experience.

 

School Behavioral Specialist Education and Training Requirements

School Behavioral Specialists generally require a master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling, or a related field.

They also need a strong background in behavioral assessment and intervention strategies.

Familiarity with various therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or mindfulness-based techniques is usually necessary.

Some positions may require School Behavioral Specialists to have a doctorate degree, especially for roles that involve research, or roles within higher education.

Most states require School Behavioral Specialists to be licensed or certified, which generally involves completing an accredited master’s program, supervised clinical experience, and passing an examination.

Additional certification may be required to work with certain populations, like children with special needs.

Voluntary certifications from professional organizations, like the Board Certified Behavior Analyst certification, can enhance job prospects and demonstrate commitment to the profession.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as it helps the specialists stay updated with the latest research and developments in behavioral science.

 

School Behavioral Specialist Salary Expectations

A School Behavioral Specialist earns an average salary of $51,912 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may differ based on factors such as the individual’s level of experience, the location of the school, and the specific school district’s budget and policies.

 

School Behavioral Specialist Job Description FAQs

What qualifications are needed to become a School Behavioral Specialist?

School Behavioral Specialists typically require a Master’s degree in Behavioral Analysis, Psychology, or a related field.

In addition, they often need to be licensed or certified by a professional organization, such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Some states may have additional certification requirements.

 

What skills are essential for a School Behavioral Specialist?

School Behavioral Specialists should be empathetic and have strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students, teachers, and parents.

They should be skilled in behavior assessment and intervention strategies.

Problem-solving, patience, and the ability to work well under pressure are also essential skills for this role.

 

What are the daily tasks of a School Behavioral Specialist?

A School Behavioral Specialist’s daily tasks may include conducting behavioral assessments, creating and implementing behavior intervention plans, training staff in behavioral techniques, and consulting with teachers and parents.

They may also participate in meetings to discuss student progress, provide crisis intervention, and keep detailed records of students’ behaviors.

 

What qualities make a good School Behavioral Specialist?

A good School Behavioral Specialist is patient, compassionate, and understanding, with a genuine interest in helping students succeed.

They have a deep understanding of behavior analysis and intervention strategies and can apply these effectively in a school setting.

They also have excellent communication skills and can work well in a team.

 

Is previous experience necessary to be a School Behavioral Specialist?

Yes, most School Behavioral Specialist positions require a minimum of a few years of experience working with children or adolescents in a behavioral health setting.

This experience helps professionals build the skills necessary to work effectively with students and manage challenging behavior situations.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve shone a light on what being a school behavioral specialist truly entails.

Surprised?

It’s not just about addressing misconduct.

It’s about shaping a positive and nurturing learning environment, one student at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive school behavioral specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your indispensable tool for creating precise job listings or crafting your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every student is part of a larger educational community.

Let’s cultivate that community. Together.

How to Become a School Behavioral Specialist (Complete Guide)

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