Behavior Support Specialist (Immediate)

East Harlem Tutorial Program•New York, NY

5d•$25•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavior Support Specialist at East Harlem Scholars Academy provides direct, proactive behavioral and social-emotional support to students with disabilities and students with identified behavioral needs in order to promote safe, inclusive, and equitable access to learning. The specialist works in close collaboration with classroom teachers, case managers, and the Inclusive Learning team to implement individualized behavior supports, reinforce positive behaviors, collect data, and support students with regulation and engagement across school settings. This role requires a strong commitment to trauma-informed practices, culturally responsive support, and the belief that all students can grow when provided with consistent, compassionate, and structured interventions.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience working with children; experience supporting students with behavioral or trauma-related needs preferred.
Ability to follow individualized plans with consistency, professionalism, and attention to detail.
Willingness to complete required training, including Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or equivalent.
Successful completion of required background checks.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and/or Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a plus.
Understanding of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
Ability to remain calm, flexible, and responsive in high-stress situations.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the mission of East Harlem Scholars Academy.

Responsibilities

Provide 1:1 and small-group behavioral support to students with disabilities or identified behavioral needs.
Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), IEP accommodations, safety plans, and MTSS interventions with fidelity.
Support students during instructional and non-instructional times, including classrooms, hallways, arrival/dismissal, lunch, recess, and transitions.
Provide sensory breaks, regulation strategies, and emotional support aligned with individual student plans.
Use proactive, preventative strategies to reduce escalation and increase student engagement and independence.
Provide real-time de-escalation support during moments of student dysregulation.
Apply crisis intervention strategies, including physical assistance or restraint only if trained, required, and permitted by policy, prioritizing student safety, dignity, and documentation.
Reinforce school-wide expectations and PBIS-aligned behavioral systems.
Observe, collect, record, and summarize behavioral data aligned to IEP goals, BIPs, and intervention plans.
Maintain accurate documentation to support progress monitoring, team decision-making, and IEP meetings.
Share behavioral trends and observations with the Inclusive Learning team and instructional staff.
Assist teachers with implementing behavioral supports, accommodations, and modifications during instruction.
Support students individually or in small groups to increase access to learning and classroom participation.
Promote skill development, independence, and self-advocacy rather than task completion alone.
Prepare, organize, and maintain behavioral intervention materials, including: Token boards and reinforcement systems Visual schedules and communication supports Sensory tools and regulation resources PBIS incentives and tracking tools
Collaborate with teachers, case managers, behavior specialists, and the Inclusive Learning and MTSS teams.
Attend behavior support meetings, professional development sessions, and student planning meetings as required.
Communicate professionally and consistently regarding student progress and needs.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and school policies.
Perform other duties as assigned to support students and the school community.