About the School:
Located in the heart of Oakland, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a one-of-a-kind educational experience committed to empowering our students to realize their full potential. The School also provides vital early intervention and outreach services to visually impaired students, with or without additional challenges, throughout western Pennsylvania. Founded in 1887, our School is best equipped to care for and educate students with visual impairments. As a private institution chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the School educates approximately 200 enrolled students from 80-85 school districts within western Pennsylvania.
Position Summary:
The Behavior Specialist provides expertise in assessing, developing, and implementing behavioral interventions for students with special needs. This role supports staff, families, and interdisciplinary teams to promote positive student outcomes, improve classroom management, and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Working Schedule: 189 days per year; Mondays through Fridays from 8am to 4pm
Salary: Adhering to salary scale based upon experience, education, and certifications; starting at $60,000/yr
Responsibilities:
- Conduct behavioral assessments for students with a PBSP or students who may need a PBSP.
- Plan evidence – based interventions and monitor student progress.
- Design, implement, and collect data on PBSP.
- Participate as a member of the IEP team as well as during IEP meetings if requested.
- Answer pages and provide crisis intervention as needed.
- Provide support to classroom staff in managing students with challenging behaviors.
- Attend, prepare, and present during Human Rights committee meetings.
- Assist in coordination of psychiatric/psychological consultations and attend appointments, as necessary.
- Communicate with families and/or outside agencies regarding PBSPs.
- Train staff in the Mandt System.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential documentation in compliance with IDEA, state education regulations, and organizational policies.
- Support the development of school-wide positive behavior support systems.
- To perform other duties as assigned.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
QualificationsQualifications:
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or PA State Behavior Specialist Licensure (BSL).
- Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in related field (i.e. psychology, special education).
- Knowledge of educating students with multiple disabilities, including visual impairment.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
Skills Required
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or PA State Behavior Specialist Licensure (BSL)
- Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in related field
- Knowledge of educating students with multiple disabilities, including visual impairment
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills
What We Do
The Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children is a private chartered school dedicated to nurturing the unique abilities of individuals with blindness and visual impairment through educational excellence and a lifetime of learning.
