Do you have any experience with Behavioral Specialists, teac

Thankilates

Hello, I figure my MFP family/friends has been so great at sharing their energy with me that I would open this up to the forums. Maybe I'll get a few bites this weekend, if not that is okay too.

Long story short, I had an interview yesterday at a high school for a Behavioral Specialist position. It's a new position in the district. Then I had another interview at a different school this morning. I KILLED IT (I did well at the first one, but the one today was like gliding on butter smooth).

Got a call back for a second interview which involves, "Classroom observation, a short activity and a brief interview with the principal, the whole thing lasting about an hour."

I guess my question is have any of you been in a similar situation or work at all in a high school where you have any advice to offer? I have a lot of experience with at-risk youth and behavioral challenges, a BA degree in psychology, working on my MA in Counseling but have never worked in a school setting before.

Sure I know to be myself and to sell myself, etc. I am talking more specifics with what the observations might be on, etc.

I figure they really liked me and are looking for somebody REALLY specific or there is another really good candidate.

Thanks in advance!

daddyssunshyne

I can't speak to the angle you are referring to.

However, my son is a sophomore in high school and is diagnosed with bi-polar, ADHD, ODD, and PDD-NOS. I have had quite a bit of experience with behavioral therapy and specialists such as that. In fact, we have had services through a leading behavioral therapy company for a couple of years now. This includes a BCBA writing a plan, observing and checking in as well as a PCA or implementer other than myself in the home working directly with him.

If there is any information I can help you with from this perspective, feel free to message me. Good luck!

Sarah

kkauz42

My first job out of college was at a group home with developmentally disabled youth boys. I was a case manager but my staff were "Behavioral Intervention Specialists" and we also have Behavioral Specialists in the school districts around here. From what I gather they work with the special ed teams and try to figure out the best ways to handle each individuals behavioral problem. It could be different where you are but that is what I was assume....I'm not really sure if that was the answer you were looking for lol!

Elleinnz

I unfortunately don't have anything to offer, but you sound like a highly skilled person - go get them!! And all the best of luck.....

If you have worked with at risk youths the school environment will most probably be much simpler ;-) (I am on the board of trustees for an outfit here in New Zealand that takes care of at-risk youths....)

CaptainAmerica1970

I have, I have worked in the psych. in patient field for 9 years, 4yr olds to adult, I have also been teaching Sp Ed in middle school for 12 years. What would you like to know about behavior specialist with in the school setting?

curvygirl512

Preparation is always key, whether it's for your interview or once you get into a job. I'd call before the interview and ask about the backgrounds of the students for the group activity--use this to plan the activity. I'd also recommend checking out the district's website. Look especially for mission and vision statements, learning outcomes, learning philosophy, etc. Finally, because this is a new position, find out if the position will be salaried from hard or soft money. Hard money=permanent position=continued employment. Soft money=limited contract=could I be out looking for another job in 10 months. Be fabulous!

Dunkirk

I fostered 'behaviourally challenged' (some were dangerous) kids for several years, I was a volunteer tutor in my high school for 5 years. From my perspective, what they want to see in the person who will fill these positions is someone who has a passionate, commitment and caring attitude towards the kids. My sister is a teacher aide, she loves her job. At one school a child pulled a knife on her, and threatened to kill her. Her response, "I haven't had lunch yet and I'm really hungry, can you come back after I've eaten?" The child replied OK and walked off. She has started a lunch time Chess Club in her current school, in a socially and financially disadvantaged area. Some of the kids in her group have (major) behavioural problems, but they made it to the national championships and came 5th (not USA). Hope this helps :-)

Thankilates

Thanks guys! I am one of those OVER ACHIEVER types! LOL So I have done my research on the district, the individual schools, the School Psychologists, the funding etc.

I know my personality, motivation, natural leadership qualities, 4.0 GPA, grad school acceptance, interns, head RA in two different clinical labs, fingerprint clearance card, various certs and energy/personality are SOLID.

I guess am asking more along the lines of WHAT EXACTLY THIS OBSERVATION IS LOOKING TO DO. Will it be to see how observant I am? Will it be to come up with a BIP on the spot (which I doubt, because it needs time to analyze and more than 20 minutes of observation), will it be to see how I watch people?

I am wondering if anybody has been asked to do this.

I want to have an edge up on the competition any means possible. I am pretty much using this entire weekend to practice my interview questions, closing and looking all possible scenarios... Aside from working out! LOL

Thanks again!!!!

p.s. I do feel quite confident about getting this position! During the interview, it was as if it was already mine! Hard to explain, but it was probably the BEST interview I have EVER had! I am just such a perfectionist and I don't want to take this opportunity lightly. This is at THE school I wanted, a good school in a good district with HARD money! Plus, I hit it off VERY well with the entire department and do yoga with one of the history teachers... of course, this is just a bonus!

Thanks again!

Sasssy69

I'm a high school teacher, and my guess is that you've impressed them with your education, so they are looking for that "stuff" you just can't teach. You either have it or you don't.

They'll be looking for how quickly you develop a rapport with the kids, the way you interact, and the balance between discipline and acceptance - not nailing kids for EVERY little thing, but redirecting, motivating, and encouraging.

I once had a colleague tell me: There's two parts to teaching. One is science. Anyone can learn the science - that's the education. The second is art. You can't teach the art of teaching. You either have it or you don't.

They'll be looking for the art of teaching.

Thankilates

I'm a high school teacher, and my guess is that you've impressed them with your education, so they are looking for that "stuff" you just can't teach. You either have it or you don't.

They'll be looking for how quickly you develop a rapport with the kids, the way you interact, and the balance between discipline and acceptance - not nailing kids for EVERY little thing, but redirecting, motivating, and encouraging.

I once had a colleague tell me: There's two parts to teaching. One is science. Anyone can learn the science - that's the education. The second is art. You can't teach the art of teaching. You either have it or you don't.

They'll be looking for the art of teaching.

Well thanks Sassy! If that is what the second interview is for then I figure I am a shoe in! Why? Because I believe the same thing. One cannot be taught the art of teaching/motivating and well understanding how people work. Sure, there are books, classes, theories, etc. But I KNOW I got the extra "art of teaching" as you say.

So again, thanks you made my day! I kinda thought that my resume got me the interview (my education background) because we didn't talk about that much. This interview was all about personality and how I fit in with the team. So I figured this second interview was more of the technical side? Nobody really knows, I will once I go through it. The good news is that I feel great about it and well I feel this to be the "Job" I have been waiting for!

P.S. I appreciate your comment about "balance between discipline and acceptance - not nailing kids for EVERY little thing, but redirecting, motivating, and encouraging." That's pretty much how I am in life. LOL which is why I decided to become a psychologist! LOL

ALL TIPS WELCOME! Just shootn the breeze and I'm gathering all your thoughts! Thanks again to a wonderful community! I have been on MFP for only 30 days (today) and am LOVING it thus far! XOXOX