Learning Behavior Specialist

JOB TITLE: Learning Behavior Specialist

LOCATION: Lake Bluff Elementary School

CHARACTERISTICS: Certified employee, contract dependent on full- or part- time status

REPORTS TO: Building Principal/ Director of Special Services

EVALUATION: Evaluated annually by the Assistant Superintendent of Special Services, with input from the Building Principal, in accordance with Board Policy on the Evaluation of Personnel.

OVERVIEW OF THE POSITION:

The Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) provides specialized instruction and behavioral support to students with disabilities through the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) within a self-contained, highly structured learning and regulation environment. This role is designed to support students with autism spectrum disorders and/or significant social, emotional, and behavioral regulation needs. The LBS1 delivers individualized, evidence-based instruction, explicitly teaches self-regulation skills, and creates predictable, supportive systems that promote student independence, engagement, and access to the general education curriculum to the greatest extent appropriate.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Implements and monitors IEPs with fidelity, including academic, behavioral, communication, and social-emotional goals.
2. Attends IEP meetings, eligibility reviews, problem solving meetings, team meetings and any other meetings related to the development or implementation of student supports.
3. Designs and maintains a highly structured classroom environment that incorporates visual supports, predictable routines, and clear expectations to support student regulation and learning.
4. Provides explicit instruction in self-regulation, social skills, executive functioning, and coping strategies aligned to student needs.
5. Utilizes evidence-based practices for students with autism and behavioral needs (e.g., structured teaching, visual schedules, task analysis, reinforcement systems, de-escalation strategies).
6. Conducts ongoing progress monitoring and uses data to inform instructional decisions, behavioral interventions, and IEP goal adjustments.
7. Develops and implements individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and supports Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) as needed.
8. Creates and implements differentiated instruction aligned to district curriculum and student IEP goals.
9. Collaborates with related service providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, social workers) to ensure integrated support across domains.
10. Establishes a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed classroom environment that promotes emotional regulation and positive behavior.
11. Provides crisis prevention and intervention consistent with district protocols, including the use of approved de-escalation strategies.
12. Prepares lesson plans and instructional materials tailored to diverse learning and regulation needs; shares plans with administration upon request.
13. Maintains accurate and compliant records, including IEP documentation, progress reports, and behavior data, in accordance with state and federal regulations.
14. Communicates regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, needs, and strategies for support.
15. Ensures the safety of students by implementing appropriate supervision, classroom procedures, and crisis response protocols.
16. Facilitates transitions to less restrictive environments when appropriate.
17. Upholds and supports the district's educational philosophy, initiatives, and best practices in special education.
18. Attends relevant professional development opportunities to improve professional practice and foster improved student outcomes.
     

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Trains and supervises paraprofessionals in the implementation of instructional strategies, behavior plans, and classroom systems.
• Provides consultation and support to staff regarding strategies for students with autism and behavioral/regulation needs.
• May provide or coordinate services in alternative settings (e.g., homebound or private school placements) as required.
• Engages in ongoing professional learning related to autism, behavior, and structured teaching practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Special Services and/or Principal/Assistant Principal.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Appropriate Bachelor's Degree; LBS-1
2. Valid Illinois Teaching License - Registered in Lake County
3. Knowledge of autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral disabilities, and neurodiversity-affirming practices
4. Experience with structured teaching models (e.g., TEACCH-informed practices) preferred
5. Strong skills in behavior analysis, data collection, and progress monitoring
6. Ability to design and implement visual supports and structured systems
7. Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to move freely to various locations within the building and perform duties (typically involving frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, and lifting). Frequent repetitive activities, including hands and arms, for health office related work. Occasional exposure to noise and activity of a school setting. Exposure to weather conditions. Ability to travel outside the district for a variety of meetings and conferences. 

Lake Bluff Elementary School District 65 serves the 900 students from the communities of Lake Bluff and Knollwood. The District has two schools and is located 33 miles north of Chicago along the shore of Lake Michigan. Our employees report high rates of job satisfaction and our student achievement is among the top ten percent of all districts in the State of Illinois. Our vision: Excellence in Education, Enthusiasm for Life, Every Student, Every Day.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary, fringe benefits, and working conditions are negotiated between the Lake Bluff School Board and Lake Bluff Teachers' Association. See the most recent Negotiated Contract for additional details. See Collective Bargaining Agreement here for pay and benefits.

APPLICATION PROCESS:
Apply online only. Please do not submit paper copies of applications or call the school directly.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Applicants will be screened and selected candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AN OVERVIEW OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION. AS SUCH, IT IS NOT NECESSARILY ALL INCLUSIVE, AND THE JOB MAY REQUIRE OTHER ESSENTIAL AND/OR NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, TASKS, DUTIES, OR RESPONSIBILITIES NOT LISTED HEREIN. DISTRICT RESERVES THE SOLE RIGHT TO ADD, MODIFY, OR EXCLUDE ANY ESSENTIAL OR NON-ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT AT ANY TIME WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE. NOTHING IN THIS JOB DESCRIPTION, NOR BY THE COMPLETION OF ANY REQUIREMENT OF THE JOB BY THE EMPLOYEE, IS INTENDED TO CREATE A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT OF ANY TYPE.