Behavior Intervention Assistant - Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit

JOB LOCATION: This position works at the Five Star Elementary program located at Watsontown Children's Center.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:  The Behavior Intervention Assistant will be responsible to the Partial Hospitalization clinical coordinator and in their absence to the assigned Special Education Program Supervisor.

JOB DEFINITION: A Behavior Intervention Assistant is employed to assist the program staff in monitoring and intervening to address student behavioral needs.  The person in this position will be a member of the program support team, which includes a School Social Worker, emotional support teacher and para-educators, Partial Hospitalization Clinical Coordinator and the Special Education Program Supervisor.  The behavior intervention staff person is responsible for the efficient performance of assigned activities, including those described below.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the direction of the teacher and social worker, work with pupils during instructional and non-instruction periods; accompany pupils to or from their home, community-based training trips, the school lunch room or bus transportation as assigned.
• Under the direction of the School Social Worker and teacher create lesson plans and facilitate social skills instruction.
• Administer arrival and dismissal procedures as identified in the student handbook
• Assist in the Functional Behavior Assessment process
• Assist in the development of behavioral/treatment goals for students
• Assist in the implementation of behavior plans in the classroom
• Support the clinical interventions deemed appropriate by the team for students
• Monitor student progress based on individualized student goals and program norms and expectations
• Maintain current data to support student progress monitoring and student progress in the level system
• Provide compiled student data and graphs for progress reports and meetings
• Monitor and identify the student’s behavior needs within the program environment
• Perform other instructional and non-instructional activities as directed and supervised by the teacher or social worker in charge.
• Upon certification, participate in any physical management of student’s behavior through the use of certified restraint, i.e. Safe Crisis Management.
• Assist teacher and social worker with facilitation of community-based socialization and recreational opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the legal restrictions pertaining to the position of a behavior intervention assistant.
• Under the direction and oversight of the teacher or social worker, work with students in a one-to-one capacity related to the individual student’s IEP, ISP and behavioral goals.
• Never assume in loco parentis.
• Work effectively as a member of the educational team.
• Complete paperwork and collect data as required by program guidelines.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Other duties as assigned by Partial Hospitalization clinical coordinator and/or Special Education program supervisor or designee.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:  

• An Associate’s degree or a High School Diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) and a minimum of 60 credits in related studies with minimum two (2) years experience in social services environment will be considered. A Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Evidence of mature and conscientious adult behavior, a serious interest in and solicitude for the general welfare of the exceptional child is expected.
• Ability to communicate verbally, ability to establish and maintain positive working relationship with staff, ability to be flexible in adapting to various student schedules, and the ability to adapt to various student behavioral needs are required.
• Ability to communicate verbally,
• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships, using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
• Must be flexible in adapting to various student schedules and to adapt to various student behavioral needs required.
• Ability to accept great cultural diversity, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload.
• Ability to cope with stressful situations and a professional attitude are required.
• Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Attend appropriate trainings and conferences as determined by the Partial Hospitalization clinical coordinator.
• Achieve annual training and certification in Safe Crisis Management and restraint techniques is

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to physically restrain students in emotional stress.
• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift approximately 50 lbs. and to position students.
• Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping and squatting.
• In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Must be able to assist children with self-help skills.
• Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:

1. This is a full time, non-exempt position working 7.5 hour per day, 185 day school year schedule and follows the schedule for which the position is assigned.
2. Must have transportation to work location(s).
3. Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.
4. Occasional overnight travel to seminars or training may be required.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS: 

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.