Behavioral & Educational Support Specialist

Job Title: Behavioral & Educational Support Specialist Department: Behavior

Reports to: Behavioral Intervention Supervisor

Job Summary:

Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of students who need it most? Embrace Learning Institute (ELI) is seeking compassionate, dedicated, and adaptable Behavioral & Educational Support Specialists (BESS) who are ready to turn challenges into opportunities and help students discover their potential.

At ELI, we believe every student deserves to feel safe, supported, understood, and capable of success. As a BESS, you will play a vital role in bringing that belief to life by providing individualized behavioral, educational, and social-emotional support to students with diverse learning needs. You will be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team working together to create structured, supportive learning environments where students can build skills, overcome barriers, develop confidence, and celebrate meaningful progress.

Every student is unique, and so is the support they need. Depending on individual needs, you may provide dedicated 1:1 support, work alongside another specialist in a 2:1 setting, or share support across multiple students. This dynamic, hands-on role calls for someone who can think on their feet, adapt to changing situations, build meaningful relationships, and approach every student with patience, compassion, and consistency.

Working at ELI is more than a job; it is an opportunity to be part of something meaningful. We are looking for professionals who take pride in their work, hold themselves accountable, embrace teamwork, and are committed to helping students grow - not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. If you are ready to bring your heart, dedication, and skills to a team that believes in the potential of every student, we would love to meet you.

Duties and Responsibilities

Individualized Student Support

• Assist students in developing essential academic, behavioral, communication, social, and independent living skills.
• Utilize evidence-based behavioral interventions, positive reinforcement, and proactive strategies to encourage appropriate behaviors and meaningful student progress.
• Monitor student progress, identify behavioral trends and emerging concerns, and communicate relevant observations to educational and behavioral leadership.

Behavioral Intervention and Student Safety

• Recognize early indicators of behavioral escalation and implement appropriate preventative and de-escalation strategies.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment that prioritizes student safety and well-being.
• Demonstrate sound judgment, situational awareness, professionalism, and composure when responding to behavioral incidents, challenging situations, or unexpected circumstances.
• Adhere to established organizational policies, procedures, and directives provided by educational and behavioral leadership.

Documentation, Data Collection, and Compliance

• Accurately collect, record, and maintain student behavioral and educational data in accordance with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and organizational expectations.
• Complete timely, accurate, and objective incident reports in accordance with ELI policies and applicable Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) requirements.
• Maintain thorough and accurate documentation while ensuring compliance with student confidentiality requirements, organizational procedures, and applicable state and federal regulations.

Collaboration and Professional Communication

• Collaborate effectively with teachers, behavioral specialists, administrators, families, and other supporting professionals to ensure consistent and coordinated student support.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional, and supportive relationships with students, families, colleagues, and partnering professionals.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development opportunities, and required training to strengthen professional competencies and support organizational initiatives.
• Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and initiative in fulfilling assigned responsibilities and supporting the broader needs of the educational environment.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and student-centered organizational culture.

Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to maintain a calm and patient demeanor with all students.
• Thorough understanding of various special education needs and services.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Effective time management and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and delegate when appropriate.
• Capacity to function well in a fast-paced and sometimes high-stress environment.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive, etc.)
• Must obtain and maintain valid First Aid and CPR certifications for both children and adults as a condition of employment.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of relevant experience required.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout school and classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day.
• Prolonged periods sitting and working on the computer to complete necessary paperwork.