Behavior Specialist

Morgan Autism Center•San Jose, CA

5d•$30 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

Morgan Autism Center is hiring a student-centered, hands-on Behavior Specialist to provide direct behavioral support across classrooms and programs. The role works collaboratively with Program Directors, the Behavior Support Team, classroom staff, and interdisciplinary professionals to support students and promote consistent implementation of the Center’s relationship-based, prevention-focused, positive behavior support philosophy. The Behavior Specialist provides proactive classroom support, responds to behavior calls, assists with crisis prevention and stabilization, models intervention and de-escalation strategies, and coaches Instructional Aides and teaching staff using an “I Do, We Do, You Do” framework. The role supports implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), behavioral data collection and review, identification of patterns, and staff consistency and confidence in using proactive strategies. The position emphasizes prevention, supportive environments, communication, emotional regulation, replacement skills, independence, student dignity, and safety. Physical intervention is reserved for situations in which it is necessary to protect the immediate safety of the student or others. The Behavior Specialist also helps plan and prepare visual and instructional materials, intervention resources, behavior systems, data tools, and other classroom supports. This is a full-time, in-person position, Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for 210 working days. Some after-work hours may be required. The role is classified as exempt and pays $30.00–$36.00 per hour, depending on experience.

Requirements

At least 3 years of direct experience working with individuals with severe autism, developmental disabilities, and/or complex behavioral support needs in a special education, clinical, or related setting.
Working knowledge of evidence-based and best practices for autism and behavioral support, including ABA, PBIS, behavior as communication, function-based intervention, positive reinforcement, proactive supports, replacement skill development, and de-escalation.
Experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans, collecting and interpreting behavioral data, and supporting individuals with high-intensity behaviors, including aggression, self-injury, elopement, property destruction, and significant behavioral dysregulation.
Ability to model effective behavioral strategies, provide clear in-the-moment coaching and feedback, and collaborate with instructional staff, behavior professionals, related service providers, and program leadership.
Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging behavioral situations and obtain and maintain current certification in company-approved crisis intervention methods, such as CPI or Handle with Care.
Must successfully pass required criminal background and fingerprint clearances (DOJ/FBI), provide valid TB clearance, and maintain current CPR/First Aid certifications.
Consistently use positive, respectful, supportive communication and avoid unnecessary power struggles, negative or punitive language, and interactions that may escalate student distress.
Commitment to building trusting relationships and supporting student communication, assent, autonomy, sensory needs, dignity, and independence.
Emotional resilience and physical stamina to support students with complex behavioral needs and return to effective, compassionate support after challenging situations.
Ability to remain calm, structured, and emotionally steady during high-stress situations.
Ability to coach staff constructively and non-punitively, exercise sound professional judgment, maintain appropriate boundaries, and seek additional support when needed.
Ability to shift priorities and adapt schedules to immediate student and classroom needs while maintaining ongoing observation, coaching, data review, and planning responsibilities.
Approach behavioral challenges with curiosity and a solution-focused mindset, considering what students may be communicating and what changes may improve success.
Regular ability to stand, walk, sit, reach, bend, kneel, crouch, and move throughout classroom and campus environments; respond quickly and safely to elopement or other situations requiring immediate support, which may require running; and lift, push, pull, or move materials weighing up to 40–50 pounds when necessary.
Ability to perform the physical requirements of company-approved crisis prevention and safety procedures, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, Human Services, or a closely related field is highly preferred.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification is a strong plus, but not required when equivalent education and field experience are demonstrated.

Responsibilities

Conduct routine classroom observations and check-ins to identify emerging behavioral concerns and strengthen preventative supports.
Respond to real-time classroom requests for behavioral support and help staff de-escalate situations safely and compassionately.
Implement company-approved crisis management procedures when necessary, maintaining student dignity, safety, and bodily autonomy.
Conduct brief post-crisis debriefs with classroom teams and help identify contributing factors and proactive strategies.
Model positive behavior support and instructional strategies directly with students, including routines, prompting, reinforcement, redirection, and engagement.
Coach Instructional Aides and teaching staff in real time using a collaborative and supportive approach.
Provide supplemental training and refresher sessions on the Center’s behavior philosophy and core behavioral practices.
Guide staff in understanding and consistently implementing student Behavior Intervention Plans, behavioral support plans, and related resources.
Collaborate with Program Directors, teachers, behavior professionals, OTs, SLPs, and other interdisciplinary team members on behavioral supports and BIPs.
Train and support staff in accurate behavioral data collection while minimizing disruption to instruction and student engagement.
Review behavioral data to identify patterns, monitor responses to interventions, and inform adjustments to supports and strategies.
Observe classroom environments and recommend proactive visual, environmental, instructional, or structural modifications.
Participate in strategic meetings with Program Directors to review focus students, priorities, concerns, and support needs.
Meet with classroom teams to debrief significant behavioral episodes, problem-solve challenges, and align on proactive strategies.
Assist in developing and preparing visual supports, behavioral resources, data systems, intervention materials, and other classroom tools.