Behavior Specialist - Fort Smith - ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education

Description

Starting Rate:  $17 /hour

Environment:  Special Education Program, Grades K-5

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking a Behavior Specialist to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction
If you thrive in a dynamic, student-centered environment, are driven by meaningful outcomes, and bring compassion, creativity, and resilience to every challenge, especially when supporting exceptional learners — We Should Talk 
As a Behavior Specialist, you will guide and assist with our school-wide classroom implementation of the positive behavior support program, increasing positive student behaviors. This position always focuses first on proactive strategies when working with challenging behaviors and is immediately available to respond to crisis situations with the ability to de-escalate students using CPI strategies, behavioral contracts and interventions documented in student's behavioral intervention plan, if applicable.
‖ Responsibilities Include:

Implementing targeted individual, group, and system-wide interventions to enhance positive academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and independent outcomes for students.
Reinforcing positive student behavior, skillfully redirecting negative behaviors, and modeling effective behavioral strategies for staff.
Maintaining accurate and comprehensive records related to student behavior strategies (SBS) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
Collecting, analyzing, and charting behavioral data to effectively monitor student progress and inform instructional practices in collaboration with IEP teams.
Providing practical support and guidance to classroom staff in monitoring individual student behaviors and implementing effective class-wide behavior management systems.
Applying applied behavior analysis principles under the direction of a board-certified behavior analyst to improve student outcomes and proactively address disruptive behaviors.
Conducting detailed behavioral observations essential for developing functional behavior assessments and creating individualized behavior intervention plans.
Assisting teachers with preparation and execution of instructional activities, supervising students, and supporting classroom management tasks.
Providing responsive and effective crisis intervention by promptly employing de-escalation techniques, prioritizing safety, and acting as a first responder to minimize disruptions to instruction and school operations.
Completing thorough documentation of behavioral incidents and related reports, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with organizational policies.
Adhering strictly to universal precautions and emergency protocols, including CPR, First Aid, and procedures for blood-borne pathogens.
Identifying, reporting, and addressing potential safety hazards, actively contributing to the site's safety committee.
Actively attending and participating in team meetings, clinical supervision, staff meetings, teacher collaboration sessions, and strategic planning initiatives.
Participating in professional development opportunities to stay informed about current behavioral principles, strategies, and educational policies.
Assisting in supervising students during school-related activities, including field trips, bus duties, lunch supervision, playground monitoring, and transportation support as necessary.
Performing additional duties and special projects as assigned to promote continuous program excellence and organizational improvement.

‖ Qualifications Required:

High school diploma or equivalent w/ passage of basic skills test.
Associate's degree or higher in a closely related field of study highly preferred.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a registered behavior technician (RBT) credential preferred.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
Prior experience providing behavioral instruction, guidance and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including functional behavior assessment (FBA), positive behavior interventions and support (PBIS) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's) preferred.
Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions.
Solid motivational skills and willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and new initiatives. 
Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is the nation's leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives
Learn more about our history, our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment  Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education
‖ Perks and Benefits Include:

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
Personal Protection Insurance Plans
Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
Legal Services Insurance 
Pet Health Insurance
Accrual-based Paid Time Off 
School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
401k Retirement Saving Plan
Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
Opportunities for Growth & Development
And So Much More

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential
Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.

Copyright 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight company  *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status. EducationRequiredHigh School or better in Diploma or EquivalentPreferredAssociates or better in Related Field of StudyLicenses & CertificationsRequiredAbility to ObtainCrisis Prevention InstPreferredBehavioral - RBTSkillsPreferredSpecial EducationBehavioral DisordersLearning DisabilitiesCrisis InterventionStudent Coaching/MentorshipEmotional DisturbanceRecord Keeping & ReportingIndividualized Education Programs (IEP)Positive Behavior Intervention and SupportFunctional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)Behavior Intervention Plans - BIPEmergency ManagementAutismPerformance MotivationAcademic SupportWorking With At-Risk StudentsProblem SolvingConflict ResolutionAttention to DetailCommunicationInterpersonal SkillsComputer SkillsAssistant TeachingApplied Behavior Analysis (ABA)Elementary EducationBehaviorsPreferredDedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrityDetail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done wellMotivationsPreferredAbility to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organizationEqual Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.