Behavioral Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Behavioral Specialist provides and leads the creation and implementation of GPS Solutions Social, Emotional Learning curriculum, instruction, and assessment, company-wide, through a combination of coaching and job-embedded, ongoing professional development with a primary goal of enhancing emotional literacy instruction. This position is flexible and prescriptive to GPS Solutions clients’ needs. Duties and responsibilities vary amongst assignments.

The Behavioral Specialist will support a variety of projects and schools in developing and implementing research- based SEL elements and effective instructional practices through on-going collaborative study in addition to providing regional SEL leadership and best-in-class curricular materials facilitated and created through GPS Solutions. The Behavioral Specialist will train in specific unique, approved SEL approaches and be expected to both share this knowledge with company and program staff, as well as a direct service offering to GPS Solutions clients through training, program implementation and coaching.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and provide initial and ongoing professional development by training, coaching, and supporting teachers and support staff in GPS Solutions SEL programs and effective instructional practices, including, but not limited to:
  1. The identified 5 elements of the GPS Solutions SEL program
  2. CASEL related materials and protocols
  3. Restorative Practices implementation and related applications
  4. CBT Trauma in Schools and Trauma Informed Training
  5. Administering and analyzing SEL program assessments and evaluations
  6. Providing SEL training, instruction and intensive intervention
  7. Using progress monitoring
  8. Identifying and addressing SEL deficiency in client schools
  9. General high effect-size instructional strategies
• Coach side-by-side with classroom teachers to support implementation of best practices in SEL and effective instruction employing a core set of coaching activities, including:
  1. Observing to provide feedback
  2. Co-planning, goal setting, and having reflective conversations
  3. Co-teaching lessons with teachers
  4. Modeling effective SEL strategies
  5. Implementing the GPS Solutions protocols where and when assigned and appropriate
• Work directly with teachers, helping to ensure that evidence-based SEL programs such as comprehensive school-wide programs and comprehensive SEL intervention programs are implemented with fidelity.
• Plan and set coherent, aligned goals for teachers’ development based on data related to SEL implementation data and effective instruction/ GPS Solutions coaching protocols
• Facilitate small group meetings and/or professional learning communities to increase instructional density, build capacity and extend SEL learning with classroom teachers
• Increase his or her own knowledge base in best practices in SEL, Restorative Practices and related community and culture-building interventions
• Assist building administrators in identifying strengths and needs in support of SEL implementation
• Consistently record coaching activities using the provided GPS Solutions tools and templates to effectively communicate the positive outcomes of coaching
• Communicate progress to leaders and stakeholders within projects
• Spearhead the development of GPS Solutions SEL proprietary curriculum, trainings, resources, and documented approach
• Work collaboratively with GPS Solutions Leadership on building the foundation of a GPS Solutions SEL offering that can be scaled
• Support the CEO and other marketing personnel by advancing sales of the offering and Instructional Coaching in general

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Education with concentration in Education, SEL or related field.
• Have experience as a successful classroom teacher, administrator, or other significant role in the field of K-12 education
• Knowledge of current state SEL resources, standards and essential instructional practices in SEL, and related emotional support practices
• Knowledge of scientifically based SEL research, special expertise in quality SEL instruction and infusing SEL strategies into content area instruction
• Knowledge and appropriate use of research-informed instructional practices to help all students develop SEL knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Recognition of a variety of assessment purposes and experience utilizing formative, screening, and diagnostic tools to inform SEL instruction and program implementation
• Ability to use observational data and formative assessment processes to guide professional learning and coaching
• Experience coaching and collaborating with teachers
• Experience planning for and facilitating professional development workshops for teachers
• Excellent interpersonal skills and flexible, responsive work style
• Willingness to receive scope-specific trainings and share that knowledge with others (internal and external)