Behavior Support Specialist

Specialized Education Services • Philadelphia, PA

9d

About The Position

Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI), a division of FullBloom, provides education services for K–12 students who need additional support to succeed in traditional school settings. SESI partners with school districts to operate in-district classrooms and standalone schools serving students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. The organization partners with more than 600 school districts nationwide and serves more than 7,000 students.

The Behavior Support Specialist provides customized behavioral support to students with intensive behavioral needs and uses positive behavioral interventions as part of a multidisciplinary team. The role involves supporting students across the school site, assisting with behavior plans, documenting behavior and progress, and helping maintain a positive, inclusive, and safe school environment. The specialist collaborates with school staff, teachers, leaders, interdisciplinary team members, and parents.

The position requires physical responsiveness to student needs, including the ability to run short distances, move quickly, bend, kneel, crouch, and assist students with mobility challenges. It also involves computer or tablet use for up to eight hours daily and maintaining composure during demanding situations. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Experience working in an educational setting implementing behavioral interventions for students with intensive behavioral needs.
• Emotional consistency and resilience to handle stressful situations in a composed and positive manner.
• Flexibility and willingness to support where needed to ensure the safety and well-being of staff and students.
• Ability to run short distances and move swiftly, including bending, kneeling, and crouching.
• Ability to lift and assist students with mobility challenges, often handling up to 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to perform fine motor tasks, such as helping students with writing, manipulating small objects, or using adaptive devices.
• Ability to operate a computer or tablet for up to eight hours daily.
• Capacity to notice and respond to students’ non-verbal cues.
• Capacity to remain calm and composed during physically and emotionally demanding situations.

Nice To Haves

• College experience or a bachelor’s degree is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with students from varied developmental, cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Monitor and support students throughout the school site, including classrooms and transition areas.
• Support the creation and implementation of behavior support plans.
• Record, track, and document behavioral incidents and progress toward goals.
• Use positive behavioral intervention and support strategies and school site incentive programs.
• Use de-escalation techniques, crisis management, and physical intervention when necessary to maintain student and staff safety.
• Foster a positive and inclusive environment that encourages appropriate social and behavioral skills.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to develop differentiated support for students with intensive needs.
• Participate in staff debriefings after challenging behavior or crisis situations.
• Facilitate communication with parents.

Benefits

• Paid training, tuition reimbursement, and credentialing support.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Employee assistance program.
• Mental health support.
• Fertility and family-building support.
• Diverse career pathways and mobility across the national network.
• Ongoing professional and leadership development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED