Behavior Technician (Paraprofessional) - Queens
About The Position
Gersh Autism is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Behavior Technician (Paraprofessional) to support students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a year-round school program in Queens, NY. The role works directly with students in academic and behavioral settings, helping them achieve individualized goals. The position is based in a school/classroom setting and operates Monday through Friday, generally from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with one weekly team meeting until 4:00 PM. Occasional before- and after-school hours may be scheduled at the discretion of administrative staff. The Behavior Technician supports classroom teachers in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and provides individual and small-group assistance to promote students’ academic, social, behavioral, communication, and self-management skills. The role includes supporting students during classroom activities, field trips, and other school events, and helping prepare students and materials for the day and departure. The position involves implementing behavior-plan strategies that promote self-regulation, collecting and documenting student performance and progress data, and collaborating and communicating with teachers, behavioral specialists, and other school staff. Employees participate in daily training sessions with behavioral analysts and professional development. The role requires completing a course and testing to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) within a specified time frame. After completing RBT coursework and certification, Behavior Technicians may take on additional classroom responsibilities, work directly with the behavior team, and contribute to behavior intervention strategies. Career advancement and specialized certifications may be available within the Gersh Autism network. This role has substantial physical and safety demands. Employees must be able to help keep students safe, potentially use CPI therapeutic-hold procedures, respond quickly to unsafe situations, and in some cases lift or physically support students. Duties may be performed under stress, including during behavioral escalations, in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Passion for supporting students with autism and other developmental disabilities.
- Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to remain patient, empathetic, and flexible in varied situations.
- Willingness to take a course and complete testing to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) within a specified time frame.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday.
- Ability to lift at least 50–65 pounds and assist or physically support students of varying sizes.
- Ability to physically intervene when required for safety, in accordance with CPI training.
- Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly.
- Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment.
- Ability to multitask and shift priorities quickly.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships.
- Ability to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations.
Nice To Haves
- Associate’s degree or higher in education, psychology, or a related field.
- Experience working with children, especially children with autism or special needs.
Responsibilities
- Assist the classroom teacher in implementing students’ individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
- Provide one-on-one and small-group support to encourage students’ academic, social, and behavioral growth.
- Help students develop communication, social interaction, and self-management skills and assist with daily tasks.
- Prepare students and materials for work and for leaving at the end of the day, including appropriate clothing, devices, and work.
- Support students during classroom activities, field trips, and other school-related events.
- Implement behavior intervention plan strategies that encourage self-regulation and help students be available to learn.
- Collect and document data on student performance, behavior, and progress toward goals.
- Collaborate with the teaching team and behavioral specialists to create a positive, structured learning environment.
- Communicate with teachers and other school staff about student progress and challenges.
- Participate in daily training sessions with behavioral analysts and professional development.
- Complete a course and testing to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) within a specified time frame.
- Maintain student safety, including using CPI procedures when required and responding to potentially unsafe situations.
- Assist, lift, or physically support students when needed.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package.
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Retirement plan with 401(k) matching.
- Basic and voluntary life insurance and AD&D coverage.
- Maternity and paternity family leave.
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Training and development.
- Supportive work environment committed to personal and professional growth.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
