Behavior Support Specialist SDB00067

Title: Behavior Support Specialist SDB00067

State Role Title: Counselor II

Hiring Range:

Pay Band: 4

Agency: VA School for the Deaf & Blind

Location: VA School for Deaf & Blind

Agency Website: https://www.vsdb.k12.va.us

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

About Us
The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB) is located in the historic, vibrant city of Staunton, Virginia. VSDB provides superior education for students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/vision impaired, deafblind, and deaf or blind with other disabilities.

VSDB offers PreK-12 education with both residential and day student options.

VSDB believes that disabilities are challenges not barriers and supports each student in their goal to be independent and to reach their highest academic potential!

VSDB prepares students for life!

About this position
The Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind is seeking a Behavior Support Specialist.
$3,500 Sign-on Bonus available!

This is a classified position with state benefits, including health insurance, retirement, life insurance and disability coverage.
The VSDB offers:
• Supportive and positive team setting
• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Free Life insurance
• School-Residential partnership that supports a 24/7 learning environment

This job will start with the 2025-2026 school year and is a 10-month classified position

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies required to successfully perform the work:

Knowledge of multi-tiered systems of supports

Knowledge of how to conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)

Knowledge of child growth and development and special needs of children with disabilities

Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and their role in student behavior and learning

Knowledge of special education regulations and IEP development

Data collection skills and analysis skills for tracking behavior trends and evaluation the effectiveness of interventions

Knowledge of de-escalation strategies and conflict resolution strategies

Ability to communicate via verbal/signed and written communication for documenting data and collaborating with members of student teams

Ability to provide training and modeling to teachers and school staff on behavior management strategies

Ability to build positive, supportive relationships with students, families, and school staff

Ability to work independently and manage one’s own schedule

Ability to collaborate as part of a multi-disciplinary team

Ability to respond calmly and professionally in situations that include behavioral crises

Ability to work with diverse student populations and tailor interventions to meet individual needs

Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information

Ability to develop and implement staff professional development activities.

Ability to follow school policies and procedures and work using a team approach.

Proficiency level of “Advanced” in American Sign Language as measured by the Sign Language Proficiency Scale or agreement to acquire the specified level within three years.

Additional Considerations

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in counseling, social work, psychology,sociology or related field. Candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree and have experience and training inbehavior management, and experience with students who have sensory impairment may be considered.
Training or experience working with school aged children, preferred.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds preferred.
Hold a valid Virginia Driver’s License and submit for review by DMV.
Current CPR and First Aid Certification required; or must be obtained within 90 days of employment.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
If selected as a finalist with VSDB, candidates can expect the following:

Background Investigation Requirements: All applicants are subject to a background investigation. Investigations may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); the Department of Social Service’s Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry check; verification of education (relevant to employment); and other checks based on the position.

Application Requirements: Application and/or résumé for this position are only accepted electronically through the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Electronic Recruitment System. All applications should be submitted by 11:55pm on the closing date for the position. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and/or résumés will not be accepted. The decision to interview an applicant is based solely on the information received for this position from the electronic application and/or résumé.

Layoff Preferences: Applicants who possess an Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Form) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Form) as issued under the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM) Policy 1.30 Layoff (Commonwealth of VA employees only) MUST attach these forms when submitting their state application and/or résumé.

VSDB is an EEO employer and is committed to supporting workforce diversity, equitable opportunities and inclusivity. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.

VSDB values our Veterans and encourages all to apply and receive preference in the hiring process. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other nation service alumni are also encouraged to apply.

Contact Information

Name: Jody Beelendorf

Phone: 540-332-9069

Email: jody.beelendorf@vsdbs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.