Buchanan Community Schools:
Elementary Behavior Support Specialist

Buchanan Community Schools is welcoming applicants for an Elementary Behavior Support Specialist to work at Ottawa Elementary School with individual students identified in a needs assessment who qualify based on defined at-risk criteria including academics, attendance, and/or behavior and provide support to the principal, social worker/counselor staff, parents, and students with strategies in the classroom, school grounds, and home by coaching of positive behavioral supports, classroom management, reinforcement and behavior redirection strategies.

General duties and responsibilities:

Identify individual academic, attendance, behavioral, emotional, and/or communication patterns which interfere with student learning
Identify environmental conditions which impact student behavior; make recommendations for adaptations or change
Demonstrate use of behavioral management techniques and other instructional strategies that help implement a discipline code that is fair and promotes orderliness and student learning including accurate time keeping records and activity logs of communication logs, student profiles and family contacts
Collaborate with instructional programs to support and enhance a positive learning environment
Conduct academic, attendance, and behavioral audits and present findings
Work with appropriate school staff in developing data collection systems and monitor data collection to ensure the success of the plan
Implement proactive behavior support strategies to prevent discipline issues and promote a positive school climate
Attend and actively participate in Child Study, 504 Plan, IEP, and other intervention or support team meetings
Provide input based on behavioral data and observations to inform decisions regarding accommodations and intervention strategies within the school setting
Collaborate with the school counselor, social worker, and administration on tiered behavior supports and PBIS implementation
Track and analyze behavioral data to assess the effectiveness of interventions and accommodations outlined in 504 Plans, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and PBIS supports
Maintain detailed documentation of behavioral incidents, strategies used, and student progress
Implement Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) strategies to de-escalate challenging behaviors and ensure student and staff safety
Serve as a liaison between the school and families to share progress and provide supportive strategies and resources
Schedule and facilitate meetings with families to discuss concerns collaboratively
Provide families with ongoing communication, resources, and guidance to promote positive behavioral development at home
Collaborate with teachers and staff to develop and reinforce consistent behavioral expectations and interventions
Ensure areas of the facility before, during, and after the school day are monitored with regard to individual safety
Take direction effectively, as well as, work independently and as a member of a team
Perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies
Handle complex and stressful issues or situations with sound judgment, common sense, and a calm demeanor
Exhibit impeccable character, sense of humor, and compassion for students, families, and district staff
Demonstrate good communication skills and ability to work with At-Risk students
Be flexible, caring, and creative
Maintains regular, reliable and punctual attendance
The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substances in the workplace throughout their employment in the District
Other duties as assigned, provided such duties comply with applicable grant regulations

Qualification Requirements: to perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Must be able to develop rapport with students, parents, teachers, and administrators in attempting to meet the social, behavioral, and identified needs of students
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
- Valid Michigan Teaching Certificate preferred
Language Skills
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of students, parents, peers, and the general public.
Mathematical Skills
- Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Other Skills and Abilities
- Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement plans based on school/District objectives and the needs and abilities of students; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with students, peers, and parents; skill in oral and written communication; ability to use and integrate technology such as computers, e-mail, Internet, etc. to support student learning and facilitate program management.

Physical Demands: the physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, for example, school supplies and books.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
The position requires the individual to meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff. The employee will frequently drive while performing the duties of this job.

Work Environment: the work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Funding Source: This position is funded through a State Grant. As a grant-funded position, funds must be verified each year for continued funding.

Position Details:

Title: Elementary Behavior Support Specialist
Reports to: Ottawa Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Stacey Denison
Starting date: August 18, 2025
Calendar: Student Days plus Professional Development Days
Hours: 8:00-4:00 with ½ hour Lunch
Compensation: $32,000 - $40,000 (without teacher certification, with certification is negotiable), 10 sick days/2 personal days, and single insurance coverage
Posting date: May 30, 2025
Application deadline: until filled

Application and supporting materials should be submitted using
Buchanan Community Schools’ online employment link:
http://www.buchananschools.com/employment/

Questions about the position or the district can be sent to Mrs. Dension at:
sdenison@buchananschools.com

BUCHANAN BOARD OF EDUCATION
STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW

Buchanan Community Schools complies with all federal laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination and with all requirements and regulations of the U.S. Department of Education. It is the policy of the Board of Education that no person on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, gender/sex, height, weight, marital status, or disability shall be subjected to discrimination in any program, service, or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education. Compliance Officers for Affirmative Action and review of Federal requirements are as follows: Section 504 and ADA; Special Education Supervisor, 695-8442, Title IX and Title VI; Brian Pruett (Buchanan High School Principal, 695-8404) and Shelby Beasley (Buchanan Middle School Principal, 695-8406).