This is a fully grant-funded position. Employment is contingent on annual grant funding.
Classification: Admin/Prof
Exemption Status/Test: Exempt/Professional
Job Grade: 4
Department: Emergency Management and School Safety
Reports To: Director, Emergency Management and School Safety
Job Goal:
The Behavior Specialist at Region 4 will serve as a subject matter expert in Restorative Practices, supporting school districts in implementing effective behavioral interventions that enhance positive school climates. The specialist will work directly with K-12 educators, using the Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Restorative Practices Model to provide trainings and evidence-based practices through coaching and on-campus support after the training. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills and be passionate about driving positive behavioral change in school communities.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Master’s Degree in Education or related field from an accredited college or university
- Prefer Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) or Certified School Counselor
Certification:
- Texas Teaching Certification
- Texas Principal or Supervisory Certification
Experience:
- 10 years of experience in education, with significant work in Restorative Practices and behavior interventions
- Experience working with at-risk students, parents, and in K-12 settings
- Experience presenting at campus and district levels, with regional and/or state-level experience preferred
- Demonstrated experience with building positive school climates and supporting student success through behavior interventions
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong understanding of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and their application to behavior management
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to maintain accurate documentation and manage tasks in a timely manner
- Effective communication and presentation skills, with the ability to tailor messages for a variety of stakeholders, including teachers, administrators, and parents
- Competency in coaching, with strong active listening and reflective thinking skills
- Strong time management and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Expertise in mental health and support systems
- Familiarity with the Texas Education Agency’s Restorative Practices model and training in its application
Personal Attributes:
- A passion for working with school communities to improve student outcomes
- Sensitivity and maturity when working with adult learners, including educators, parents, and community stakeholders
Major Responsibilities:
Planning
- Develop and prepare research-based training materials and presentations.
- Collaborate with staff and stakeholders to address district needs.
Collaboration
- Work with districts and ESC staff across regions to achieve training program goals.
- Partner with school districts on Restorative Practices and discipline strategies.
Budget/Fiscal Responsibility
- Ensure fiscal responsibility for assigned budgets and expenditures.
- Coordinate with the Director of Coordinator on grant budget management, if applicable.
- Assist in the development, implementation, and management of grants for Restorative Practices initiatives.
Customer Service/Delivery
- Offer guidance and technical assistance to school personnel.
- Deliver training sessions on TEA’s Restorative Practices model and utilize materials effectively.
- Assist in identifying and implementing interventions to reduce disciplinary referrals and foster stronger relationships between teachers, students, and parents.
Leadership
- Uphold confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.
- Ensure fidelity in the implementation of TEA’s Restorative Practices model.
Problem Solving
- Analyze issues and provide effective solutions to support districts in Restorative Practices.
Innovation
- Develop and implement new initiatives to enhance Restorative Practices in schools.
- Lead program innovations aimed at reducing disciplinary referrals and improving school climate.
Goal Setting
- Analyze student and program data to plan for project adjustments.
- Use fidelity data to inform improvements and set and monitor progress on goals.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/ Mental Demands:
Frequent in and occasional out of region travel; frequent use of standard office equipment; prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting; repetitive hand motions (keyboarding and use of a mouse); occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may work prolonged and irregular hours; work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.