BASIC FUNCTION
The Behavior Intervention Specialist works with students in classrooms containing both Gen-Ed and SPED populations, who have emotional and behavioral disabilities as well as students with intellectual disabilities from grade K through 12. The position is responsible for providing individual and small group behavior intervention, both verbal and physical, and at times may be dysregulated. Must be able to collect and chart behavioral and academic data, and provide support to educators regarding student management issues, behavioral problems and academic tracking.
The position works predominantly with individuals who demonstrate moderate to high-risk behaviors. They serve as the primary person in situations that require physical intervention with students. Individuals in this position must be able to carry out the physical demands of dynamic high-level holding positions and have the ability to adapt both verbal, nonverbal and haptic communication to facilitate de-escalation and the care, welfare, safety and security of PPS students and staff following all district policies and procedures.
Team members are trained in standard non-violent crisis intervention (NCI), as well as Advance and Applied Physical skills. This provides the additional problem-solving matrices around physical intervention principles as well as a firm grounding in the program philosophy that is critical to the emotional, physical and mental
well-being of all.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
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Work closely with the Student Management Specialist and Educators to support behavior and academic interventions to better meet students' needs.
Work with referred students (i.e. defined case load) and their educator for the purpose of coaching and modifying inappropriate behavior. Apply physical intervention principles when responding to physical risk behaviors while evaluating whether the chosen response is safe, effective, acceptable and transferrable. -
Executes defined coaching process to support routine and spontaneous breaks for defined student case load that assist in the reintegration of students into the educational setting.
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Problem solves in the moment with educators to create alternative behavior.
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Assist in developing programs and/or activities to promote positive student behavior, “restorative justice” sessions, as well as intervention strategies.
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Staff and maintain a behavior or therapeutic intervention room containing a combination of de-escalation space and refocusing activities, where coaching and in some cases physical intervention is required on a regular and frequent basis throughout the day.
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Has minimal to no direct contact with parents of students; parent contact happens through educators with coach input.
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Collect and review data related to school behavior plans and academic progress.
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Responsible for all electronic behavior data collection that support IEP progress tracking. Completes and mails out incident reports and summarizes for classroom teams and administration.
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Responsible for creating, implementing and monitoring individual contracts and safety plans in collaboration with the Student Climate Specialist, administration, Counselor, Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), and Special Education personnel.
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Facilitates structured groups for students, such as but not limited to “structured lunch” and/or “meaningful work” programs (to learn pro-social behavior).
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Demonstrate a commitment to the Portland Public Schools Equity Initiative by developing a thorough knowledge and application of the district Racial Educational Equity Policy and other board policies; participate in staff development, in-services and trainings related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and in K – 12 education; model appropriate behaviors; develop, recommend and implement improvements to educational practices with awareness and understanding of their impact in a racially and culturally diverse community.
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Perform other related duties as assigned by the principal.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
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Knowledge and demonstrated competency in utilization of therapeutic approach in the de-escalation continuum (escalation, de-escalation, establish therapeutic rapport).
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Ability to communicate effectively with others.
- Ability to interact with difficult students in a positive manner.
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Ability to collect and summarize data clearly and concisely in written form.
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Ability to work with QMHP and educators to form interventions based on behavioral data.
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Ability to remain professional and not personalize threatening behavior by students (verbal and physical).
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Ability to complete CPI training, and carry out CPI therapeutic interventions, obtain first aid certification.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
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Two (2) years, full-time, college coursework to meet the ESSA requirements (official transcripts must be provided prior to hire), OR completion of the Para Professionals exam with passing score upon recommendation for hire. PPS offers a FREE Paraeducator Assessment for applicants who do not meet the minimum college credits. For applicants who opt to take the assessment, employment is contingent on receiving a passing score.
- A combination of at least two (2) years work, education, training or experience in a special education school, classrooms, or similar mental health program; and has the competency necessary to contribute empathetic insight individually and as a member of a collaborative team, may substitute for the above requirements.
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Demonstrated experience and competence in working successfully as a team member with professional staff; excellent organizational skills, as well as oral and written communication skills.
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Bachelor's degree is preferred.
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Training or experience in behavior or therapeutic intervention is preferred.
Special Requirements:
Some positions in this classification may require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Class C Oregon driver's license.
COMPENSATION: $25.09 - $31.73 per hour.
WORK YEAR: 192 days
FTE: 0.8
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials. With the District’s focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.
The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran’s status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.
504 Coordinator: Katie Loewen, [email protected], 503-916-3337 x63337
ADA Coordinator: Jey Buno, [email protected], 503-916-3360
Director of Civil Rights: Dr. Bobby Cruz, [email protected], 503-839-3660
Accessibility Statement
