Behavior Support Specialist

Specialized Education Services • Philadelphia, PA

4d

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 with special and alternative education needs. The Behavior Support Specialist supports students’ behavioral, social-emotional, and academic success by monitoring and assisting students throughout the school site, helping implement behavior support plans, documenting progress and incidents, and collaborating with staff and parents. The role uses positive behavioral interventions, de-escalation, and crisis management strategies to promote student and staff safety and foster an inclusive environment.

The position offers paid training, professional and leadership development, tuition reimbursement, and credentialing support, along with comprehensive benefits. The starting pay is $19.00 per hour. The role involves physical activity, including moving quickly, assisting students, and using a computer or tablet for up to eight hours daily. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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 provide 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 manage fine motor tasks, such as helping students write, manipulate small objects, or use 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 diverse developmental, cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Provide consistent monitoring and support 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, 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

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

What This Job Offers

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