Pressley Ridge·Greensburg, Pennsylvania
The Behavioral Health Specialist collaborates with the classroom team to develop and implement individualized academic and behavioral programming for students. They are responsible for maintaining student support plans, documenting daily progress, and ensuring a safe learning environment through active supervision and intervention.
The Behavioral Health Specialist (BHS) is responsible for collaborating within the classroom team in the development, implementation, and monitoring of effective, individualized academic and behavioral programming for students.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities
1.
Quality Educational Programming 1.
Collaborate with the Special Education Teacher in the implementation and review of the Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for each student.
2.
Collaborates with the classroom team to support students in all content areas as well as areas specified in IEP through individual, group, and experiential interactions.
3.
Develop, implement and review Student Support Plans (SSP) in collaboration with the classroom team.
4.
Develop and implement a classroom/behavioral management system in collaboration with the classroom team.
5.
Develop and implement daily group and individualized lesson plans for each student utilizing provided social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum and supplemental materials.
6.
Demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
7.
Review and update the Student Support Plan (SSP) quarterly (or more if needed).
8.
Complete SEL lesson plans weekly and provide progress on social-emotional learning.
9.
Provide SET with behavioral data weekly.
2.
Communication 1.
Provide in-service/training programs to other educational programs as needed or directed.
2.
Draw insight from data and communicate those insights in context.
3.
Effectively communicate information from data, by avoiding jargon, and using basic terms.
4.
Participate in all regularly scheduled in-service programs.
3.
Professional Development 1.
Periodically attend local, state, or national conferences and workshops to enhance knowledge areas.
4.
Supervision 1.
Receive supervision.
1.
Receive supervision from and actively communicate with supervisor on an ongoing basis throughout the week by phone, email, written message and when possible, in person regarding program matters.
5.
Leadership 1.
Serve on program committees as needed or directed.
2.
Directly always supervise students.
6.
Documentation 1.
Complete Summary of Daily Progress (SDP) notes daily.
2.
Utilize technology to create graphs of student data.
7.
Risk Management and Safety 1.
Follow designated program policy regarding the documentation of critical incidents.
2.
Follow procedures for all physical contact with students.
3.
Follow procedures for student illness and injury, including arranging necessary medical care, accordingly, informing appropriate persons of the situation, and documenting the injury/illness and actions taken.
4.
Assist other staff, as needed, in interventions (TCI, Ukeru) to protect students and staff from injury.
5.
Detect and remediate any potentially dangerous environmental conditions (e.g. broken glass) accordingly.
6.
When transporting students, maintain safe driving procedures.
1.
1. Requires a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, education or other childcare field. 2. Requires proficiency in American Sign Language (ASL) within two (2) years of employment for the School for the Deaf. 3. Requires a valid state driver’s license, safe driving record, and current vehicle insurance. 2.
1. This position requires operating a keypad device 25% of the day and electronic/office equipment 50% of the day. Fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, elbows, legs and feet are all routinely used throughout the day. The lower and upper torso is used 75% of the day. Employee must meet minimum requirements for hearing, speech, and vision. For positions in the School for the Deaf, hearing and speech are not required but ASL proficiency is (see qualifications above). Walking is required 75% of the day. Standing occurs 75% of the day. Sitting happens 25% of the day. Reaching above the shoulder as well as bending and twisting are performed 25% of the day. This function routinely lifts 15 pounds, 4 times per day. The maximum lift is 10 pounds, 4 times per day. The position requires the ability to implement physical interventions and meet the physical demands of TCI. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 2.
Mental
Demands: 1. Continually handles diversity of problems. 2. Frequently performs multiple tasks, make quick decisions, concentrate, and handle distractions that interfere. 3.
Environmental
Factors: 1. Environmental demands require this position in schools and community. 4.
Working
Hours: 1. Hours dependent on school schedule. Flexibility to meet student needs. 2. PRSD is on a 12-month schedule. PRSA and Day Schools are on a 10-month/ school year schedule.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, counseling, education, or a related childcare field. A valid driver's license and the ability to pass state, FBI, and child abuse background clearances are required.
Market context
In Pennsylvania, behavioral health specialist roles in school settings are typically driven by ongoing student support needs and the need for staff who can work closely with educators and families. This role is competitive because employers often look for a related bachelor’s degree, clean background clearances, and a valid driver’s license, along with experience that fits a child-focused environment. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your degree, clearances, and transportation details before applying.