Title: Behavior Support Specialist SDB00195

State Role Title: Counselor I

Hiring Range: $43,238 - $51,000

Pay Band: 3

Agency: VA School for the Deaf & Blind

Location: VA School for Deaf & Blind

Agency Website: 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 Behavior Support Specialist at the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB), is to provide support for student success by implementing evidence-based behavioral interventions and increasing students' ability to remain regulated and attend to instruction. This is achieved by collaboration with educators, support staff, and residential hall staff to promote social-emotional growth, reduce behaviors that interrupt learning, and enhance students' ability to engage in the educational setting.

The Behavior Support Specialist at VSDB will assist in the provision of essential services for children with deafness or blindness by providing quality day and residential instructional programs to children referred by local school divisions and by serving as a resource for children with similar disabilities educated throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience and training in behavior management, and experience with students who have sensory impairment may be considered.

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.

Data collection skills for tracking behavior trends and implementation of intervention strategies.

Knowledge of de-escalation strategies and conflict resolution strategies.

Ability to communicate via verbal/signed communication to interact with students and staff.

Ability to use written communication for documentation.

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

Ability to respond to frequent changes in schedule and environment.

Ability to collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team.

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

Ability to self-regulate during extended periods of student escalation.

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

Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and staff information.

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

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.

Additional Considerations

Training or experience working with school aged children, preferred.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds preferred.

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.

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.

Each agency within the Commonwealth of Virginia is dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse work force. Equal Opportunity Employer

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.