The Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Semá:th First Nation and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.
Why Abbotsford?
Located under an hour from Vancouver, the Abbotsford School District is settled in the heart of the beautiful Fraser Valley and surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
Learn more about the Abbotsford community: -
Why the Abbotsford School District?
Every day, in every classroom and office throughout the Abbotsford School District, our employees provide a world-class, innovative educational experience for over 19,000 students. We believe that teachers continue to be drawn to the collaborative and supportive work environment that we provide. We have extensive professional development supports for new teachers, ranging from mentorship programs to leadership programs, and numerous career-pathing opportunities.
Working in public education is both challenging and rewarding, but at the Abbotsford School District we truly believe that every one of our employees has the opportunity to help children learn, grow and succeed.
Position Summary
Under the general direction of the District Principal, Inclusive Education, the District Behaviour Specialist provides direct service to schools supporting students requiring intensive behavioural intervention. Their primary focus will be to assist with developing and implementing school-based programs to support the meaningful inclusion of students with disabilities and diverse abilities enrolled in district-based and regular school programs. This is a Position of Special Responsibility (PSR) and includes a department allowance.
Specific Accountabilities:
- Assists with the development, monitoring, and implementation of Positive Behaviour Support plans for students with complex social, emotional, and behavioural needs.
- Provides consultation to school personnel in the development and implementation of effective interventions for students with complex social, emotional, and behavioural needs.
- Provides consultation and support to school personnel in developing and implementing. programming to support the IEP goals of students with developmental disabilities and complex learning and behavioural needs.
- Advocates for community supports, where appropriate.
- Collaborates with classroom teachers, support staff, district staff and parent(s)/guardian(s).
- Provides training and in-service to school and district staff (eg. education assistants, teachers, administrators, etc.).
- Assists in the development, monitoring, and implementation of Employee Safety Plans, where appropriate.
- Attends at district meetings, courses or training programs, as required.
Education & Experience
- Teacher training with a Master’s degree in Inclusive Education, or a related field.
- Training and experience in social, emotional, and behavioural development.
- Experience in a work environment that focuses on assessing the environmental influences on behavior, assessment-based intervention, and data-based decision making.
- Experience supporting students with disabilities or diverse abilities across content areas, grade levels and student populations.
- Experience applying the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s policies and guidelines related to supporting students with disabilities or diverse abilities.
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification is required.
- Eligible for B.C. Teaching Certificate
- Satisfactory teacher evaluation and/or final practicum reports.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Working knowledge of behavioural intervention strategies (i.e. functional behaviour assessment, functional analysis, positive behaviour support planning).
- Proven competence in autism intervention/training; knowledge and experience of ABA an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to support students with challenging behaviours through positive behaviour supports.
Teaching Competencies
All teachers are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the following areas:
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to consider and respond appropriately to the needs, feelings and capabilities of others in a tactful, compassionate and respectful manner.
- Organization & Planning: Ability to plan and organize for effective instruction, differentiation and assessment
- Classroom Management: Create and maintain an optimal learning environment for each student while managing student behavior and classroom dynamics.
- Facilitation & Engagement: Ability to capture and maintain students’ interest, effort, participation and enthusiasm for both the content and the process of learning
- Assessment & Coaching: Utilize balanced assessment and feedback to improve student learning including the use of formative and summative assessment strategies.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Collaborate with others to achieve group goals and objectives
- Caring & Inclusiveness: Create and maintain an environment that is caring, inclusive and supportive of all students
- Flexibility & Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility in the ability to adjust and adapt to changing circumstances
