Behavior Specialist at Maya Angelou Academy (YSC) SY 26 - 27 in Washington, District of Columbia at Maya Angelou Schools See Forever Foundation

The Organization

Maya empowers opportunity and justice-involved youth to transform the trajectory of their lives. We do this by engaging each of our scholars in a restorative, relevant school experience that prioritizes personalized academic support, well-being, and preparation for the post-Maya pathway of their choice. With an education in our network of schools, our scholars will do more than succeed — they will thrive!

If you are interested in learning more about See Forever, please visit our website at www.seeforever.org.

Site Description

The Youth Services Center (YSC) is the District of Columbia’s detention center for male and female youth, responsible for the care and custody of young people placed in secure detention by the DC Superior Court.

Position Overview

The Behavior Specialist supports the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional success of students enrolled in a school located within a juvenile detention center. Working collaboratively with instructional staff, correctional staff, and administrators, the Behavior Specialist helps implement proactive behavior supports, restorative practices, crisis intervention strategies, and individualized behavioral interventions designed to create a safe, structured, and trauma-informed learning environment staff.

Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

Student Behavioral Support

Provide direct behavioral support services to students individually and in small groups. Conduct behavioral observations and assist in identifying triggers, patterns, and intervention strategies for students exhibiting challenging behaviors. Facilitate restorative conversations, circles, and re-entry meetings following behavioral incidents. Monitor student behavior throughout the school day and provide proactive intervention to de-escalate situations before crises occur. Assist with transition planning and reintegration supports for students returning to classrooms following behavioral incidents or restrictive placements.

Classroom and Instructional Support

Provide in-class behavioral support and coaching to teachers during instruction. Assist teachers with the implementation of classroom management systems, behavior supports, and de-escalation strategies. Collaborate with teachers to identify strategies for increasing student participation, motivation, and positive behavior. Assist with behavior-related accommodations and supports for students with IEPs and behavior intervention plans. Help facilitate student re-entry into classrooms following behavioral incidents or removals.

Collaboration and Consultation

Collaborate closely with teachers, special education staff, counselors, social workers, and administrators to support student success. Provide ongoing consultation and support to instructional staff regarding classroom behavior challenges and intervention planning.

School Climate and Culture

Support implementation of PBIS, restorative practices, and other school-wide behavior systems. Assist with behavior-related programming, incentives, mentoring, and social-emotional learning initiatives. Build positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with students while maintaining professional boundaries and high expectations.

Documentation and Compliance

Maintain accurate records related to student behavior, interventions, progress monitoring, and support services. Document behavioral incidents, interventions, and follow-up actions in accordance with school and facility procedures. Ensure compliance with applicable school, district, special education, and facility policies and procedures.

Professional Development and Staff Training

Support new teacher onboarding related to behavioral expectations, school culture systems, and student support practices. Develop and share behavior support resources, tools, and strategies with instructional staff. Participate in staff meetings, professional learning communities, and training sessions to support continuous improvement in behavior management practices.

Other Duties as Assigned:

Tasks that may not directly align with your job description but are vital and serve to maintain a safe and effective teaching and learning environment for scholars and staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience working with adolescents exhibiting behavioral, emotional, or mental health challenges (required)
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferred)
• Experience working in alternative education settings, juvenile justice programs, correctional facilities, or high-needs school environments preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills.

Salary and Benefits

Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation salaries are comparable to those of other public charter schools in the District of Columbia area. In addition, we offer a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts, voluntary dental and vision, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability options, commuter benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan with employer contribution offered after 1 year of service, along with the opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds.

See Forever is an equal-opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.