About this role
• Forbes names Mesa Public Schools in their list of Best Employers in Arizona for multiple years.
• East Valley Tribune names Mesa Public Schools as Best Place to Work in East Valley for multiple years.
Employment Type: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Base Hourly: $24.97
Class/Calendar: B25, 9.25 months
Benefits: Sick leave, holidays, retirement matched through the Arizona State Retirement System
Performance Pay: Available annually
New Hire Experience: 1% of the base hourly rate granted for each year of verified like experience (within ten years) beyond the requirement, up to a ten-year maximum
New Hire Education: 1% of the base hourly rate awarded for an AA or higher degree if not required for the position
Job Summary: The Behavior and Transition Liaison plays a critical role in supporting students with Emotional Disabilities and/or Autism as they transition from specialized settings to less restrictive educational settings, including general education classrooms. Under the supervision of certified staff, the Behavior and Transition Liaison provides direct student support, implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (PBIPs), monitors student progress, collects behavioral data, and assists with academic, social, behavioral, and daily living needs. The position collaborates with teachers, families, administrators, and support staff across multiple sites to ensure successful transitions, provides training and resources to school personnel, supports compliance with special education requirements, and assists in responding to behavioral crises in accordance with district procedures. Key Responsibilities:
• Support students transitioning to less restrictive educational settings, into general education settings or other less restrictive special education setting, through direct assistance, progress monitoring, implementation of transition plans, and accompaniment during school-based transitions as needed
• Provide academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to facilitate successful transitions
• Support the development and review of transition plans for students moving into general education settings or less restrictive special education settings
• Collaborate with general education and special education teachers to implement strategies and accommodations outlined in students' IEPs and PBIPs
• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment for students with Emotional Disabilities and Autism
• Serve as the primary liaison among general education staff, special education teams, administrators, transportation, families, and related service providers to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and coordinated support for transitioning students
• Provide training, resources, and strategies to general education teachers to support students with Emotional Disabilities and/or Autism
• Assist with IEP compliance by attending meetings, documenting transition progress, and ensuring accommodations are properly implemented
• Coordinate transportation needs for transitioning students in collaboration with the school district and families
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
• Implement and monitor Positive Behavior Intervention Plans (PBIPs), respond to challenging behaviors in accordance with district crisis intervention procedures, and collect behavioral data to support student progress and intervention planning.
• Gather behavioral data to track progress in reaching behavioral objectives identified in the behavior plan and periodically provide suggestions to modify the plan, under the supervision of the School Psychologist or Social Worker, to adapt to the child's response to the intervention
• Perform and provide support tasks following district procedures as required based on student needs, including but not limited to:
• Behavior management techniques where elopement behavior both on and off campus happens on a regular basis
• District-identified behavior management strategies (A.S.P.E.N.)
• Physical interventions to remediate severe emotional and behavior dysregulation when the student presents as a danger to self or others
• Monitor individual and/or small student groups in the classroom and/or on the playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate social peer interactions
• Deliver, under teacher's direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, provide 1:1 and/or small group instruction tailored to student IEP goals
• Complete Medicaid billing documentation as required for eligible services
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment
• Model professional, safe, responsible, and respectful behavior
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one's skills and/or knowledge
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department and Mesa Public Schools.
Required Qualifications:
• Experience working with students with emotional disabilities and knowledge of special education services
• Familiarity with IEP processes, behavioral intervention strategies, and inclusive education practices
• Experience in applying behavior intervention techniques and crisis management.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience facilitating transitions to less restrictive educational environments.
• Experience working across multiple school sites.
Skills & Competencies:
• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by
• strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration, verbal, and written communication skills for effective interaction with students, families, staff, and community partners.
• Knowledge of special education laws, IEP compliance, and transition planning
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, problem-solve, and adapt to dynamic student needs.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong coordination with school teams
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized
• instruction to meet academic, social, and behavioral goals
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in high-stress situations and behavioral crises.
• Computer proficiency to include the use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to organize and prioritize and to follow classroom guidelines as put forth by the supervisor
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
• Spends significant time in classrooms, hallways, and other areas monitoring and supporting students
• Frequent face-to-face interactions with students, educators, and families
• May encounter high-stress scenarios, including managing behavioral crises or de-escalating conflicts
• May lift, pull, push or carry
• May stand for a prolonged period
• May move lightweight furniture
• May be exposed to outdoor elements
• May require strength to push/pull 30-35 lbs
• May require physical intervention for students experiencing behavioral difficulties
• Physical demands may require assistance from other personnel
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodation needed to perform the essential functions of this position.