The Behavior Specialist works in coordination with classroom, Mental Health/Clinical, and Related Services staff to provide Behavioral Services to students.  Under the supervision of the Manager of Behavioral Services, Dean of Students, Director of Psychological and Behavioral Services, the Behavior Specialist will serve as case manager for the behavioral programming of individual students. 

A primary responsibility is the development and implementation of Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP).  The Behavior Specialist will facilitate and document the development of the BIP as well as conduct and document Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and provide staff training. 

This staff member will also monitor the efficacy of the BIP through data collection and graphing.  Additional responsibilities include the development and implementation of crisis management procedures and the provision of behavioral support in the classroom. 

At the Lifeskills and Education for Students with Autism and Pervasive Behavioral Challenges ( LEAP ) Program, our mission is to ensure each of our students gains the independence and skills necessary to fully participate in school, community, workplace, and home life.

Our specialized autism program is a nonpublic special education day program approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.

We offer a range of educational and therapeutic services for students with complex academic, communication, social, and behavioral needs. Our program emphasizes the development of lifelong skills through an active approach to learning, including participation in community and work-based learning opportunities that allow them to apply skills outside of the classroom.

1. Conduct Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA). This includes the collection of data through interview, logs, and direct observation.  Act as Behavior Resource Case Manager to coordinate team input on FBA.  Write FBA reports and present at teams, including IEP meetings.
2. Develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) for students on caseload. Update BIPs as needed to ensure compliance with all regulations and school procedures.
3. Initiate and monitor data collection systems related to student behavior. Summarize, graph, and analyze data.  Share data with classroom teams.
4. Train classroom staff in the implementation of BIPs and data collection systems. Monitor fidelity of implementation.
5. Provide ongoing monitoring of progress on behavioral goals. Produce quarterly progress reports, annual summaries, aide justifications/fade plans, FBA reports and BIPs.  Attend and present at IEP meetings.
6. Coordinate and implement responses to behavioral crises as part of school-wide crisis management procedures.
7. Facilitate and implement the school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports system.
8. As required by school procedures, complete all necessary documentation of contacts with parents, transportation providers, and other agencies.
9. Conduct in-services as needed. When certified, conduct PCM trainings.
10. Where appropriate, provide consultation to LSS transportation staff regarding behavior management on the bus.

A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in a related field (i.e., psychology, behavior analysis, or special education).

A minimum of two years of previous experience with disabled populations is required; experience with individuals with autism or related behavioral challenges is preferred.

• PCM training will be provided by department.
• Employee must achieve and maintain PCM certification at the “Practioner-2” level according to the timeline established within the departmental policy. Employee must also achieve and maintain PCM certification at the “Instructor” level as training becomes available.