A Mental Health Assistant provides basic care and assistance with daily activities to patients with mental illnesses or cognitive disabilities. Helps patients dress and eat, monitors patients' well-being, and restrains patients if they become physically violent. Works in hospitals or mental health care facilities.
The Behavior Support Specialist provides specialized behavioral, social-emotional, and instructional support to elementary students with significant behavioral and emotional needs within a behavior intervention program setting. This position works collaboratively with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and families to implement individualized behavior intervention plans, support positive student engagement, and maintain safe, structured learning environments. The paraprofessional utilizes de-escalation strategies, trauma-informed practices, and positive behavioral supports to assist students in developing self-regulation, social skills, and academic success. This role requires advanced skills in behavior management, crisis prevention/intervention, relationship building, and data collection beyond those expected of a traditional classroom paraprofessional position.
Qualifications:
Associate degree preferred (or equivalent college credits) Specialized behavioral training preferred Crisis intervention certification required within a set timeframe Experience in special education or behavioral programming preferred Three years of successful experience in special education preferred Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written and oral communication skills Ability to manage conflict constructively and problem-solve complex student issues Ability to work collaboratively with administrators, staff, parents and community agencies Successful completion of required background checks
Experience:
Prior experience working with students with one or all of the following: Emotional impairment Autism spectrum disorder ADHD Trauma histories Significant behavioral challenges Experience supporting students during dysregulation or crisis situations Experience collecting behavioral data and documenting incidents objectively Skills and Competencies Strong emotional regulation and calm demeanor under stress Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building relationships Consistency in implementing behavioral expectations and interventions Advanced communication and teamwork skills with teachers, social workers, psychologists, and administrators Ability to recognize escalation cycles and intervene early Flexibility and rapid problem-solving skills Strong observational skills
Responsibilities:
Collaborate with administration, general education staff, and IEP teams to address student needs. Support problem-solving for complex cases involving behavioral and social-emotional needs. Assist in developing procedures, protocols, and service delivery models for the behavior intervention program. Implement individualized behavior plans with fidelity Track behavior data daily Participate in team meetings Support full reintegration into general education programming Assist with sensory regulation and calming strategies Help teach replacement behaviors and self-regulation skills Support crisis response and safety procedures Specialized Training The candidate will already be trained in or willing to be trained in the following areas: Training in behavior intervention and de-escalation strategies Knowledge of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Understanding of trauma-informed practices Training in restorative practices and relationship-based supports CPI, Safety-Care, Handle With Care, or other approved crisis prevention/intervention certification Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) implementation training Knowledge of reinforcement systems, behavior functions, and antecedent strategies Practical Functional Assessment (PFA) and Skill-Based Treatment (SBT) training
Reports To:
Building Principal Supervises:
No supervisory responsibility
Terms of Employment:
180-day contract
Salary Range:
The salary will be commensurate with the successful candidate's education and demonstrated experience to fulfill the position's requirements, including full benefits.
Physical Environment:
Hours to be
Worked:
Minimum of 7 hours per day
Evaluation:
Performance on this job will be evaluated annually as required.
