Learning Behavior Specialist (Resource)

Position/Title: Learning Behavior Specialist

Department: Student Services

Reports to: Student Services Director

Term: 10 months (teacher calendar)

Salary: Collective Bargaining Agreement 

POSITION SUMMARY: 

A learning behavior specialist works with students with disabilities, supporting their learning and behavior needs.  They work in collaboration with general education staff in an inclusive model. 

QUALIFICATIONS - EXPERIENCE - KNOWLEDGE: 

• Illinois PEL License with LBS-I endorsement
• English language and/or reading specialist endorsement preferred 
   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned as required):

• Employ special educational strategies, including but not limited to scientific or evidence-based instruction and techniques, to improve the development of sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, behavioral, social and emotional.   
• Plan and conduct activities for a balanced instruction, demonstration, and work time program that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate newly acquired knowledge. 
• Case management of identified individual students on caseload. Maintain legally compliant paperwork.
• Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing behavior modification and positive reinforcement techniques. Establish and enforce rules for behavior and policies and procedures to maintain order among students that align with social-emotional standards. 
• Confer with parents, administrators, private providers, and educational team members to develop individual educational plans designed to promote students’ educational, physical, and social/emotional development.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings to discuss individual students’ needs and progress. Employ a problem-solving process to determine a course of intervention as prescribed by the district and research additional resources if needed. 
• Administer identified district and state-required assessments and utilize and interpret student performance data to adjust instruction.
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.
• Coordinate integration of students with special needs into the general education environment.
• Observe, evaluate, collect, and analyze student educational performance data (academic, behavioral, communication).
• Create a classroom environment conducive to the needs of all students.
• Integrate technology into daily instruction as a means to engage students in meaningful learning.
• Feedback to paraprofessionals on an ongoing basis. 
• Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to learn, improve, and maintain instructional best practices as a special education teacher.
• Obtain certification Crisis Prevention Intervention Training offered 
• Maintain daily attendance and punctuality according to building/department hours.
• Complete all other duties as requested by your supervisor.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

In order to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the skills and abilities required:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents such as correspondence, test results, and various media.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from individuals and groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff members and students.
• Ability to support students with disabilities as needed.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in written form.
• Ability to complete mathematical operations and apply concepts of mathematics related to this position. 
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with various concrete variables in situations with limited standardization. 
• Ability to perform essential duties with an awareness of school district requirements and Board of Education policies. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, talk, and hear.
• The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, operate office and computer equipment, reach with hands and arms, and repeat actions with the same hand, arm, or finger motion, such as when typing. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. In addition, the ability to withstand long-term use of computer terminals is required. 
• Employees may occasionally lift up to 30 pounds. 
• The position requires meeting deadlines with time constraints, interacting with the public and staff, and irregular or extended work hours. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. However, on occasion, the noise level will be loud.  
• Work is usually conducted indoors. This work could be conducted at any school or home site.