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Job Description
Intensive Behavior and SEL Special Educator
Harwood Unified Union School District
HARWOOD UHS
#19 - Moretown, Vermont This job is also posted in Harwood Unified Union School District
Job Details
Job ID:
5727237
Application Deadline:
Posted until filled
Posted:
Yesterday
Starting Date:
Jul 1, 2026
Job Description
FLSA Status:
Exempt
To learn more about Harwood Unified Union School District and our schools, visit https://huusd.org/our-schools
Position Objective
The Intensive Behavior and SEL Special Educator provides highly individualized behavioral and social-emotional learning (SEL) support for students with significant behavioral challenges. The Special Educator coordinates and oversees intensive interventions and specialized instruction for identified students in collaboration with teachers, parents/caregivers, students, paraprofessionals, behavior interventionists, behavior consultants, and related professionals.
This position focuses on behavioral support services and academic instruction designed to help students meet Vermont learning expectations in the least restrictive environment while maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
Students assigned may include:
Students with IEPs identified for intensive behavior and SEL services
Students with 504 plans or intervention plans requiring these supports
Key Responsibilities Learning Environment & Student Support
Create and maintain a trauma-sensitive learning environment built on respect, rapport, and student safety.
Support the inclusion of assigned students within regular education settings using least restrictive environment practices.
Coordinate services and ensure productive use of assigned support staff.
Develop, implement, and monitor:
Behavior management plans
Crisis prevention/intervention plans
SEL supports
Specialized programming for assigned students
Collaborate with Special Educators and district specialists to assess student competencies, daily living skills, and social-emotional needs.
Monitor students for signs of disruptive behavior, including:
Verbal outbursts
Violence
Destructive behaviors
Implement de-escalation strategies and proactive interventions to support student success.
Identify and implement appropriate assistive technology.
Maintain a safe learning environment and take reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, and facilities.
Planning, Assessment & Program Coordination
Integrate current best practices and research in:
Behavior management
Self-regulation
Executive functioning
Special education
SEL instruction
Facilitate collaborative teaming and support successful transitions between classrooms and programs.
Use assessment data to collaboratively develop:
Standards-based instructional interventions
Remedial services
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
Develop specialized SEL and behavior-based programming utilizing research-based practices.
Collect and analyze student and program-level data.
Coordinate school and community resources to support implementation of:
IEPs
504 Plans
EST plans
Behavior plans
Other remedial services
Collaborate with:
School Psychologists
Social Workers
SLPs
OT/PT providers
Behavior Interventionists
BCBAs
Other internal and external professionals/agencies
Support classroom teachers in adapting:
Curriculum
Instruction
Assessments
Learning activities
Behavior management strategies
Interpret educational and clinical findings to determine eligibility and monitor student progress.
Instruction
Teach discrete and lagging behavioral and self-regulation skills to improve student functioning and success.
Use social skills curricula and SEL programming to promote:
Prosocial behavior
Emotional regulation
Conflict resolution
De-escalation strategies
Provide effective, timely feedback regarding student progress to:
Parents/caregivers
Students
School professionals
Professional Responsibilities
Participate actively in:
School events
Workshops
In-service meetings
Staff meetings
District committees and projects
Engage in ongoing professional development aligned with district goals and school strategic plans.
Maintain current knowledge of:
Best practices
Educational research
Special education laws and regulations
Demonstrate professionalism and student-centered decision making.
Support and uphold HUUSD policies, procedures, and regulations.
Supervision
Reports to the School Principal with input and technical direction from the Director of Student Support Services and Director of Curriculum.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides direction and support to assigned paraeducators, including:
Planning and assigning work
Monitoring quality of work
Supporting training and implementation
Participates in hiring, evaluation, and continued employment recommendations for assigned support staff.
Qualifications Education & Experience
Master's degree preferred in:
Special Education
Related educational discipline
Bachelor's degree with equivalent experience may be considered
3-4 years of relevant experience preferred
Preferred experience includes:
Vermont Special Education Law
Vermont public school systems
Psycho-educational environments
Social/emotional programming in schools
Certifications & Licensure
Valid Vermont Professional Educator License required
3-82 or 3-85 endorsement required
Level II preferred
Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated knowledge of:
Human development and learning differences
Disabilities and behavioral challenges
Research-based instructional and intervention strategies
Assessment and progress monitoring
Consultation, collaboration, and case management
Strong understanding of:
Student social-emotional development
Cultural responsiveness
Family and community context
Communication & Technical Skills
Ability to:
Communicate effectively with students, staff, families, and outside agencies
Resolve conflicts and manage stress effectively
Write reports and procedural documentation
Interpret educational and technical materials
Basic computer proficiency required, including:
Word processing
Microsoft Office applications
Adaptive technology and software
Physical Effort & Working Conditions
Ability to:
Sit, stand, and walk frequently throughout the day
Use hands/fingers continuously for instructional and computer tasks
Lift:
Up to 10 lbs frequently
Up to 50 lbs occasionally
Bend, crouch, kneel, reach, and manage physically active student situations
Regular exposure to:
Noise and active school environments
Viruses and infectious diseases
Outdoor weather conditions
Stressful and high-needs situations requiring conflict resolution and crisis response
Summary
The Intensive Behavior and SEL Special Educator provides specialized behavioral, social-emotional, and academic support for students with intensive needs. This role ensures implementation of individualized programming, promotes inclusive educational opportunities, and supports safe, trauma-sensitive learning environments through collaboration, evidence-based practice, and student-centered instruction.