Behavior Technician (Bronx)

Gersh Autism Academy•New York, NY

48d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Gersh Autism is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Behavior Technician (Paraprofessional) to support students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in academic and behavioral settings. The role involves helping students achieve individualized goals and supporting their academic, social, behavioral, communication, and self-management development. The position is based in a school/classroom setting in the Bronx, NY, as part of a year-round, 12-month school program. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with one weekly team meeting until 4:00 p.m. Occasional before- and after-school hours may be assigned at the discretion of administrative staff. Behavior Technicians receive daily training with behavioral analysts and professional development. After completing the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) course and certification, technicians may take on additional classroom responsibilities, work directly with the behavior team, and contribute to developing behavior intervention strategies. Further advancement and specialized certifications may be available within the Gersh Autism network.

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 keep students safe, remove oneself and/or others from potentially harmful situations, and, in some cases, lift a child.
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, including lifting or guiding students of varying sizes.
Ability to physically intervene when required for safety, in accordance with CPI training.
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 support them with daily tasks.
Prepare students and materials for work and departure, including ensuring students have appropriate clothing, devices, and work.
Support students during classroom activities, field trips, and other school-related events.
Implement strategies from students’ behavior intervention plans to encourage self-regulation and readiness to learn.
Collect and document data on student performance, behavior, and progress toward goals.
Collaborate with teachers 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 in professional development.
Use CPI procedures, including therapeutic holds, when required to keep students safe.