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Title: Behavior Assessment Training Regional Behavior Specialist
Department: Special Education
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Regional Behavior Specialist is responsible for delivering high-quality professional development and direct technical assistance to school districts across Illinois to strengthen the implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs). This role serves as a primary point of contact for assigned regions, supporting educators and school teams in implementing function-based, instructional approaches to behavior that align with state and federal requirements. The Regional Behavior Specialist works collaboratively with district personnel, project leadership, and state partners to provide training, coaching, and technical assistance that builds school- and district -level capacity, supports consistent implementation practices, and promotes sustainable, equitable behavior support practices. Through a combination of in-person and virtual service delivery, this position supports districts in reducing reliance on exclusionary discipline and improving educational outcomes for students whose behavior interferes with learning.

Additional Information

Illinois State University is authorized to do business within the State of Illinois. All work under this appointment is required to be performed from within the State of Illinois. Illinois State University does not authorize out-of-state work.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$7,000 - $8,600/month, based on geographic location, experience, and credentials

University Benefit Highlights

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life 
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options 
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents 
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks 
- Paid benefit time 
 
Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/ 

Required Qualifications

● Master’s degree in Special Education, School Psychology, Behavior Analysis, or a closely related field, conferred by an accredited institution.
● Current Professional licensure or certification in a behavior related or special education field (i.e., LBS1, BCBA, School Psychologist).
● Minimum of 5 years of experience conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and developing and implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) within the PK-12 educational settings.
● Minimum of five (5) years of documented professional experience providing embedded, classroom-based instructional coaching to educators, with an emphasis on behavioral skill acquisition, fidelity of implementation, and application of evidence-based behavior support practices.
● Demonstrated experience designing and delivering high-quality professional development for educators, consistent with High-Quality Professional Development principles, including active learning, alignment to identified needs, and connection to classroom implementation.
● Demonstrated working knowledge of IDEA and state requirements related to behavior supports, as evidenced by prior roles involving compliance, consultation, or implementation of special education behavior practices.
● Documented experience collaborating with multidisciplinary school teams, including educators, administrators, and related service providers, to support students with behavior needs.
● Excellent communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
● Ability to travel regionally and work flexible hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience designing and facilitating professional development aligned to High-Quality Professional Development frameworks, including use of adult learning principles, applied practice, and evaluation of implementation or impact.
● Experience working with districts identified with significant disproportionality.
● Familiarity with Illinois education systems and ISBE priorities.
● Prior experience in developing policy or guidance documents related to behavior supports.

Work Hours

Typically 8-4:30. Some prolonged or irregular hours. Some overnight travel required.

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods
2. Move about in various locations on and off campus as needed to complete day-to-day work
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis

Proposed Starting Date

1/22/2026

Contact Information for Applicants

Nikki Michalak, nakempe@ilstu.edu

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.