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

Description

Starting Rate:
$17 /hour

Environment:
Special Education Program, Grades K-5

, 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.

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:
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 Y

our 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

Copyright 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a

ChanceLight company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.
Education

Required

High School or better in Diploma or Equivalent
Preferred

Associates or better in Related Field of Study
Licenses & Certifications

Required

Ability to Obtain
Crisis Prevention Inst
Preferred

Behavioral - RBT
Skills

Preferred

Special Education
Behavioral Disorders
Learning Disabilities
Crisis Intervention
Student Coaching/Mentorship
Emotional Disturbance
Record Keeping & Reporting
Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
Behavior Intervention Plans - BIP
Emergency Management
Autism
Performance Motivation
Academic Support
Working With At-Risk Students
Problem Solving
Conflict Resolution
Attention to Detail
Communication
Interpersonal Skills
Computer Skills
Assistant Teaching
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Elementary Education
Behaviors

Preferred

Dedicated:
Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Detail Oriented:
Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Motivations

Preferred

Ability to Make an Impact:
Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal 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.