Behavior Scientist Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Posting Timeline
This job is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received. Portland Public Schools reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any point during the posting period.
Position Details
SPECIAL EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT:
The Special Education Department is committed to providing instructional services in inclusive environments that will prepare students that receive special education services for life and careers.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of the Principal, the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) works under the direction of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The RBT is responsible for the direct implementation of skills-acquisition and implementation of behavior intervention plans developed by the IEP team or BCBA. The RBT works in collaboration with classroom educators and may also collect data and conduct assessments.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The classification specification does not describe all duties performed by all incumbents within the class. This summary provides examples of typical tasks performed in this classification.

1. Provide behavior intervention services to increase and improve skills and functional abilities of students assigned to caseload under the direction of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
2. Assist educators with implementation of classroom instruction and work with students during instructional activities.
3. mplement, assess, and evaluate implementation of student intervention plans and programs as designed by IEP teams and BCBAs.
4. Develop relationships and communicate effectively with a diverse community and student population.
5. Engage in supervision of student skills acquisition activities and behavior change strategies which must include at least two face-to-face face synchronous contacts per month during which the supervisor observes the RBT engaging in skill acquisition or behavioral change activities.
6. Communicate with staff students, parents, and community regarding factors impacting student performance in a manner consistent with educator and administrative direction as well as district policies and procedures.
7. Maintain accurate data on student performance and progress including summarizing and reporting all behavior data for district and/or building administrators in a timely, accurate, and efficient manner, and conduct assessment of preference and behavior.
8. Implement positive behavioral intervention systems, focusing on student skill acquisition.
9. Utilize best practice intervention and crisis response strategies and implement evidence based intervention practices.
10. Collaborate with school personnel on identifying triggers and re-enforcers for problematic behavior.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge Of:

• Behavioral science and developmental psychology, theory and practice.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention techniques.
• Implementation of positive behavior supports.
• Collaborative problem solving.
• Functional behavior analysis.

Ability To:

• Perform routine mathematical calculations.
• Read and interpret routine information from schedules, memos, and/or other written documentation.
• Demonstrate ethical professional conduct and scope of practice.
• Basic typing and keyboard skills.
• Problem-solve effectively with students with behavioral and mental health issues.
• Communicate, monitor, supervise, and manage difficult students and help them succeed.
• Communicate effectively with staff and families.
• Be flexible, cooperative, and take initiative.
• Capably respond to aggressive student behavior.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Work under constant interruption.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with others as part of a team.
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, rules and regulations related to special education.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
Associates Degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Social Work or related field is required. Three (3) years experience working with students with behavior or mental health issues. Working knowledge of behavioral science and developmental psychology, theory, and practice is preferred.
A Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Social Work or related field will substitute for two (2) years experience.
Hold and maintain, or be in the process of obtaining, RBAI or RBT credentials with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board and the Oregon Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board. Employees will be required to complete a 40-hour training program (under a Board Certified Behavior Analyst) based on the RBAI/RBT Task List, within 90 days of employment. Employees are also required to pass the RBAI/RBT Competency Assessment administered by a BCBA certificant.
Special Requirements:
Some positions in this classification may require the use of a personal automobile and possession of a valid Class C Oregon driver's license.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the essential duties of this class with or without reasonable accommodation, depending on the nature of the disability.
Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in an elementary, middle, K-8, Alternative and/or High School campus environment with extensive student, parent and public contact and frequent interruptions.
Hazards: Potential conflict and physically confrontational situations. Employees may be subject to exposure to bodily fluids and blood.
Physical Demands: Requires the ability to restrain students using intervention methods on a regular basis, multiple times daily, students may weigh from 35 to 100+ pounds. Requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 lbs. Requires continuous reaching, bending, crouching, twisting, kneeling, and repetitive use of arms, hands, wrists, and legs. Physical endurance is strongly encouraged.
SALARY: $28.62 - $36.57 per hour
WORK YEAR: 192 days
FTE: 0.9375 (37.5 hours/week))
Portland Public Schools (PPS) is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds and experiences to lead change and inspire PPS students. At PPS, every employee, despite having different roles, is an educator. We hope to attract talented educators who model the core PPS Educator Essentials . With the District's focus on eliminating systemic racism and its adverse impact on student learning, we seek to hire individuals who bring to our district a deep commitment to racial equity and social justice.
The District is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran's status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.
504 Coordinator: Katie Loewen, kloewen@pps.net , 503-916-3337 x63337
ADA Coordinator: Jey Buno, jbuno@pps.net , 503-916-3360
D irector of Civil Rights: Dr. Bobby Cruz, bcruz@pps.net , 503-839-3660
Accessibility Statement
Benefits Information
Portland Public Schools (PPS) offers several competitive and comprehensive benefit packages to employees. Fringe benefits include medical, dental, vision, prescription, life and disability insurance, employee assistance program, 403(b) retirement savings plan and various leave and professional development programs. Depending on the insurance option selected by the employee, there may be an employee contribution toward insurance.
Portland Public Schools is a public employer and participates in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS/OPSRP). Eligible employees are required by statute to contribute 6% of salary on a pre-tax basis to OPSRP/IAP, after serving six months under a PERS employer.
For more information about additional benefits or compensation options by employee group, please visit our website at: https://www.pps.net/Page/1635