Behavior Support Specialist- STAIRS

Devereux • Homestead, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Devereux/TCV Community Services is hiring multiple Behavior Support Specialists for its new STAIRS intensive residential treatment program for youth with autism and developmental disabilities. The program serves young people with significant behavioral challenges and skill deficits who have not made progress in less restrictive settings. Residents have a range of abilities; some are non-speaking and have limited interactions and responses to others.

The Behavior Support Specialist provides hands-on care and supervision and helps residents work toward their goals in a safe, supportive environment. The role is part of a multidisciplinary team that includes a child psychiatrist, social worker, nurses, special education staff, behavior analysts, and a recreational specialist. Specialists implement treatment strategies, support daily living and therapeutic activities, and help prevent and respond to challenging behaviors and crisis situations.

The role is based in the Homestead area of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Available schedules include full-time day or evening shifts on specified weekday/weekend rotations, part-time weekend day or evening shifts, and flexible coverage shifts. The stated pay range is $20.05–$23.03 per hour.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Proficient communication and computer skills.
• Valid driver’s license that must be maintained, with five years of clean driving history.
• Ability to administer CPR and first aid.
• Ability to properly restrain adolescent or adult residents.
• Ability to create and maintain a therapeutic milieu.
• Must be free of dependency on or abuse of illegal or illicit drugs, alcohol, inhalants, or other chemical or controlled substances.
• Must complete required drug screening.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• One year of previous experience in a psychiatric residential treatment facility.
• One year of experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or intellectual disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Implement Individualized Positive Behavior Support Plans and Behavioral Health Treatment Plans, carrying out therapeutic and behavioral strategies developed by the multidisciplinary team.
• Provide direct care and supervision during daily activities, leisure time, and community outings, supporting safety and engagement.
• Assist residents with personal hygiene, toileting, and other functional living skills.
• Implement interventions to prevent challenging behaviors and strategies to de-escalate behaviors such as self-injury, aggression, and elopement, as well as other crisis situations, using approved techniques.
• Assist with individual and group sessions focused on social and communication skills, emotion regulation, daily living skills, and leisure and recreational activities.
• Help maintain a structured, respectful, and supportive environment that promotes residents’ physical and emotional well-being.
• Support families through training and active participation.
• Support skill-building across home, school, and community settings.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, prescription drug, preventative care, and mental health services, including telemedicine.
• Student loan debt assistance, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education assistance.
• Generous time off accruing from the first day of employment.
• 403(b) retirement plan with matching benefit.
• Voluntary or employee-paid supplemental life and accident coverage.
• Employee assistance and work-life balance program.
• Eligible full-time employees and their family members and domestic partners can access the health and welfare program; eligible employees can start benefits after 30 days of employment.
• ASCEND career accelerator program offering career guidance, one-on-one coaching, skills support, tuition, and student loan repayment.

What This Job Offers

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