Behavior Support Specialist - LaGrange School Program

Abilities First • Poughkeepsie, NY

27d • $18 - $20

About The Position

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams. We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard. We are looking for patient, energetic and passionate Behavior Support Specialist for our LaGrange School program located in Poughkeepsie, NY. This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, focusing on the educational programming for all school-age children at every level of ability. This position will provide behavioral support for students in the classroom to increase student independence through age appropriate, functional means. Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-3:00pm, 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (which includes a 6-week summer program) Pay Range: $17.82 - $19.82 per hour

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A combination of education and experience which in the opinion of school administration meets the needs of the school program.
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Collect data as part of a functional behavior analysis.
• Monitor behavior and strategies and interventions accordingly
• Collaborate with classroom teacher on appropriate use of positive reinforcements.
• Manage challenging behaviors of students in classroom using research-based practices.
• Follows the classroom schedule ensuring that individual student’s IEP, specifically behavioral goals are achieved.
• Assists in the classroom to conduct individual and group activities.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and job skill training.
• Attend therapy sessions with students to assist with behavior management and to allow for appropriate carryover in the classroom.
• Assists in the organization and arrangement of the classroom as part of student's therapeutic behavior plan.
• Escorts and assists students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students’ increased independence in mobility and orientation.
• Attends all specials with students (PE, art, music, etc.)
• Takes off and puts on outdoor clothing as necessary and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in self-dressing and undressing.
• Toilet children and use appropriate adaptive equipment if necessary. This should be done at least 3 times daily (more often when necessary.)
• Change clothing when wet or soiled.
• Change diapers and/or sanitary napkins as necessary.
• Set up computers, communication device systems and related adaptive equipment.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Benefits

• Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan for The Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

What This Job Offers

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