26–27 SY: Behavioral Systems Specialist (K-12)

Start Date: July 1, 2026

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Position Type: Full-Time | 2026–2027 School Year

ABOUT ESPERANZA ACADEMY

Esperanza means hope. Esperanza Academy Charter School (EACS), located in the Hunting Park section of North Philadelphia, is dedicated to serving the students within its community. We believe education can be a vehicle for social and economic advancement, especially in underserved communities. This core belief drives our relentless pursuit to become the best educational option for all students in the Philadelphia area.

Our strong track record of academic excellence and community impact sets us apart. With a growing K–12 program serving over 2,200 students, Esperanza Academy continues to expand opportunities for students and families across Philadelphia.

In the fall of 2025, we opened a brand-new elementary school building, marking the completion of our expansion to a full K–12 program serving over 2,200 students. This growth will make Esperanza Academy the second-largest single charter school in Philadelphia, reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality education to even more students in our city.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Esperanza Academy Charter School is seeking a highly collaborative, systems-oriented, and student-centered K–12 Behavioral Systems Specialist to support the development and implementation of proactive, restorative, and skill-based behavioral systems across our K–12 program. This role partners closely with school leadership, Student Services teams, counselors, teachers, and support staff to strengthen behavioral intervention practices, MTSS systems, and school-wide responses to student behavior.

The K–12 Behavioral Systems Specialist will play a key role in supporting both individual student behavioral needs and broader schoolwide behavioral practices. The ideal candidate is passionate about creating equitable learning environments, building staff capacity, and supporting positive student outcomes through trauma-informed and restorative approaches.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Behavioral Assessment & Student Support

• Conduct behavioral observations and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) in alignment with PDE guidance, IDEA requirements, and school-based intervention practices.
• Support the develop, implementation, and monitoring systems for Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) aligned to student needs and behavioral functions.
• Support progress monitoring efforts through behavioral data collection, observations, and documentation.
• Collaborate with school teams to support students with complex behavioral needs through proactive intervention planning.

Systems Development & Schoolwide Support

• Support the refinement and implementation of Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 behavioral intervention systems within the MTSS framework.
• Assist in developing consistent behavioral referral systems, documentation, and intervention practices across K–12 buildings.
• Analyze behavioral trends and data to inform school climate initiatives and intervention strategies.
• Promote restorative, trauma-informed, and skill-building approaches that prioritize relationship-building, accountability, and student growth.

Staff Coaching & Collaboration

• Provide coaching, consultation, modeling, and problem-solving support to teachers and staff related to classroom management, de-escalation strategies, and behavioral interventions.
• Participate in MTSS meetings, IEP meetings, SAP meetings, manifestation determination meetings, and other student support meetings as appropriate.
• Support staff capacity-building through professional learning opportunities and ongoing coaching.
• Collaborate with families and outside providers to ensure consistency of behavioral expectations and interventions across settings.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate documentation and records in compliance with PDE, IDEA, and school policies.
• Support school climate and Student Services initiatives aligned with Esperanza Academy’s mission and values.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform additional duties related to behavioral systems and student support as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Behavior Analysis, Psychology, Education, Counseling, Social Work, or a related field.
• BCBA certification preferred; Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS) or BCBA-eligible candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• Experience conducting Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and supporting PBSPs/BIPs in school-based settings.
• Strong knowledge of MTSS, PBIS, restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, and behavioral intervention frameworks.
• Excellent collaboration, consultation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams across K–12 settings.
• Current FBI, PA Criminal, and Child Abuse clearances required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Esperanza Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Esperanza Academy are based on doing what is best for kids, job requirements, and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.