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Lead Behavior Specialist Job

The Watson Institute is hiring a full-time Lead Behavior Specialist at Friendship Academy, a special education school in the East Liberty area of Pittsburgh, PA. This position will work Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Watson Institute!

Employment Type: Full-time

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

  • Complete observations on students
  • Consult with classroom team
  • Complete functional behavioral assessments on students
  • Complete stimulus preference assessments on students
  • Support classroom teaching teams in the design and implementation of positive behavior support programs for students
  • Develop data collection protocol
  • Trend and analyze data
  • Train staff in behavior management procedures and Crisis Management
  • Contribute to RRs/IEPs and progress reports
  • Facilitate and oversee Friendship Academy’s school-wide PBIS program (Positive Behavioral Support Program) including The Friendship Market (token economy system)
  • Train, support, and coordinate Behavior Specialist team
  • Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements: 

  • Master’s Degree in psychology, education, or a closely related field required
  • Board Certified Board Analyst and/or PA Behavior Specialist License required
  • Demonstrated knowledge of behavioral principles, evidenced by experience and education
  • Experience working with children with autism and behavior problems, at least 4 years’ experience required
  • Experience writing, implementing, and evaluating positive behavior support plans
  • Most tasks require oral communication, visual and hearing perception, and the ability to get around classrooms, cafeteria, gym, campus, etc.
  • Experience collaborating with teams
  • Supervise students during emergency drills, play periods and community-based instruction; the ability to keep up with running children and/or to lift, position or assist with lifting students is essential to perform this task
  • The essential functions of the job described herein require the ability to exert moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination or bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, kneeling, crouching, and brisk walking, which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and material of moderate weight (40 pounds)
  • Ability to physically restrain students for their safety and the safety of others
  • Current Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances required
  • Pre-employment medical examination, including a tuberculosis test required

Job Benefits:

  • Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurances as well as life and long-term disability and access to voluntary benefits.
  • 403b Retirement Plan with Watson matching employee contributions after 1 year of employment.
  • Access to Tuition Reimbursement to pursue further education and advanced degrees.
  • Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and flexible spending accounts.