Behavior Support Specialist - Abilities First Myers Corners Education Center in Wappingers Falls, NY

Abilities First•Wappingers Falls, NY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Abilities First is seeking a patient, energetic, and passionate Behavior Support Specialist for its Myers Corners School program in Wappingers Falls, NY. The role works with an interdisciplinary team to support educational programming for school-age children at every level of ability. The specialist provides classroom behavioral support to increase students’ independence through age-appropriate, functional approaches. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., 32.5 hours per week, for 48 weeks per year, including a six-week summer program. The stated pay range is $18.04–$20.04. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, or a combination of education and experience that school administration considers sufficient for the needs of the program. The employee must be able to perform the described physical activities with or without reasonable accommodation and have English verbal and written communication skills for regulatory documentation. Eligibility requirements may apply.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Alternatively, a combination of education and experience that school administration considers sufficient for the needs of the school program.
Ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs and to lift, bend, squat, turn at the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Verbal and written communication skills in English sufficient to ensure adequate regulatory documentation.
Eligibility requirements may apply.

Responsibilities

Collect data as part of a functional behavior analysis.
Monitor student behavior and adjust strategies and interventions accordingly.
Collaborate with the classroom teacher on appropriate use of positive reinforcement.
Manage challenging classroom behaviors using research-based practices.
Follow the classroom schedule and support students in achieving IEP goals, particularly behavioral goals.
Assist with individual and group classroom activities.
Attend and participate in staff meetings and job skills training.
Attend student therapy sessions to assist with behavior management and support carryover in the classroom.
Help organize and arrange the classroom as part of students’ therapeutic behavior plans.
Escort and assist students, including those using wheelchairs or walkers, to and from school buses while encouraging independence in mobility and orientation.
Attend specials with students, including physical education, art, and music.
Help students put on and take off outdoor clothing while encouraging independence in dressing and undressing.
Toilet children and use adaptive equipment when needed, at least three times daily and more often when necessary.
Change students’ clothing when wet or soiled, and change diapers or sanitary napkins as necessary.
Set up computers, communication device systems, and related adaptive equipment.
Follow the agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, policies, and procedures, and maintain regard for personal and others’ safety.
Perform other appropriate job-related activities as requested by a supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Benefits

Personal and sick time, with additional paid time off in accordance with the school calendar.
Medical, dental, and vision plans.
Free Employee Assistance Program available 24/7.
Retirement savings plan options.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Access to Free Will.
Tuition reimbursement.
Career development training opportunities.
On Demand Pay, with access to earnings as early as the next day.
Staff appreciation events, employee awards, team celebrations, and ongoing recognition of exceptional performance and service.