About this role
Work Location: Horizonte Instruction and Training Center Contract Days: 185 Days FTE: 1.0 FLSA Status: Exempt Benefits: Eligible Starting Salary: Certified Schedule #19 Priority Screen Date: End of Day on 09/16/2026 Anticipated Start Date: September 2026 **This position is grant funded. Continuation of this position is based on available funding.** ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: The Youth in Care (YIC) Behavior Specialist responds to school requests for assistance with high intensity behavior and consults to support school personnel with on-going behavior interventions. This specialist ensures interventions are compliant with Utah's Least Restrictive Behavior Intervention guidelines. When requested, the specialist helps develop a behavior intervention plan in collaboration with the school's mental health professionals, and if necessary, develop a coaching plan to develop capacity and connect schools to other resources provided at the district level or offered by community partners. The specialist will also be responsible for follow-up with school staff as needed to implement appropriate supports. In addition, the specialist supports schools in implementing school wide MTSS and especially their internal capacity to manage a wide range of student behaviors. This position reports to the principal or their designee. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Valid State of Utah Professional Educator License or a similar professional license from another state that is transferrable to Utah.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in education or a related field.
• 3 or more years' professional licensed classroom experience in K-12 public education.
• Professional communication skills including, but not limited to: excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; confident, articulate, and professional speaking abilities; and empathic listening and persuasive speaking skills.
PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Spanish Speaker: speaks, reads, writes, and understands Spanish
• Have an ESL endorsement or will obtain one within 4 year of hire
• Previous teaching experience in a Behavior Unit or similar classroom
• 3 years' experience coaching teachers
• Additional MTSS, PBIS, behavior training and/or experience
• Special education experience and license or BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
• Experience with grade level/content PLC's/data meetings for analysis of student data to inform instructional practices for highest student achievement
• Knowledge of effective English Language Learners teaching practices; student social-emotional learning, accelerated/extended learning programs and special needs students, including laws and regulations of special education and 504 plans
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
• Consult with schools to build capacity to support and respond to disruptive student behaviors at the Universal and Targeted levels.
• Provide school support for immediate behavior crisis and technical assistance for crisis support.
• Co-Creates MTSS rubric for Youth in Care (YIC) student placements to establish clear criteria for appropriate student placements and supports aligned to Comp Guidance Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 (especially Social and Emotional pillar)
• Inputs YIC progress-monitoring to intervene as needed for change in supports and/or placements always striving for LRE and aligned to Utah's Least Restrictive Behavior Intervention guidelines
• Leads and monitors behavior interventions as needed for YIC students districtwide (e.g. safety and/or behavior plans, SPED identification procedures related to behavior, etc.)
• Attends weekly SSC meetings for YIC team (Check and Connect Mentors, Behavior Specialist, HZ Transitions Teachers)
• Attends site-based PLC or Leadership Meetings as needed across the district
• Attends required Behavior Specialist meetings at district
• Assist and provide input for YIC state audits
• Up to date with current laws and regulations for YIC; attends USBE meetings related to YIC
• Attends Care Team meetings as needed
• Consult with and support school staff by suggesting additional interventions and determining the effectiveness of the interventions through an analysis of data and information.
• Support schools with the collection and analysis of schoolwide behavior data and MTSS implementation. Collect and analyze behavior data to support early interventions.
• Coordinate behavioral services across all schools to serve students.
• Serve on District Level teams addressing behavior and mental health issues, as assigned.
• Provide professional learning opportunities for school and district staff as requested.
• Support school team and consult with Special Education Consultants in developing a functional behavior analysis of targeted behaviors and a behavior plan when requested.
• Coach school staff on implementation and monitoring of evidence-based interventions to determine effectiveness.
• Collaborates with stakeholders and other professionals to promote student growth and development.
• Adapts and improves practice based on reflection and new learning.
• Engages in learning experiences to enhance self and support others.
• Participates actively in decision-making processes while building a shared culture that affects schools and larger educational communities.
• Advocates for the learner, the department, the community, and the profession.
• Is responsible for compliance with federal and state laws, State Board of Education administrative rules, state assessment policies, Salt Lake City School District board policies and supervisory directives.
• Responsible for compliance with all requirements of State Board of Education Rule R277-530 Utah Effective Educator Standards at all levels to teacher development.
• Is responsible for compliance with all requirements of State Board of Education Rule R277-515 Utah Educator Professional Standards.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance to fulfill job requirements in an efficient and effective manner; required to attend activities, events, and meetings outside of normal work hours on a regular basis.
• Maintain professional workplace etiquette and represents the department/district in a professional manner; communicate effectively and efficiently with diverse groups of people while maintaining confidentiality and positive working relationships with co-workers, students, parents, and other district employees.
• Demonstrates adaptability and understanding of cultural differences in working in a diverse environment while coping with stressful situations related to students and maintaining confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective operations of the school and YIC unit.
WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS
• Risks found in the typical work environment, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated, e.g., safe use of office equipment, avoiding trips and falls, observing fire regulations.
• Driving to work locations.
• Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to perform the work: however, there may be some walking, standing, bending, carrying light items, etc…
The Salt Lake City School District is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact us at Human Resource Services - Salt Lake City School District (slcschools.org) or call 801-578-8340. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Non-Discrimination Statement No district employee or student shall be subjected to discrimination in employment or any district program or activity on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The district is committed to providing equal access and equal opportunity in its programs, services and employment including its policies, complaint processes, program accessibility, district facility use, accommodations and other Equal Employment Opportunity matters. The district also provides equal access to district facilities for all youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code, including scouting groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries and complaints regarding unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation: Tina Hatch, Compliance and Investigations/Title IX Coordinator, 406 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, (801) 578-8340. You may also contact the Office for Civil Rights, Denver, CO, (303) 844-5695.