Behavior Technician (Paraprofessional) - Long Island City

Gersh Autism Academy•New York, NY

89d•$22 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

Academy for Young Minds (AYM), powered by Gersh, is seeking an experienced Behavior Technician (Paraprofessional) for a year-round, 12-month school program in Long Island City, Queens. AYM is a private school serving learners on the autism spectrum, ages 5–15, in classrooms of 6–10 students. The role provides direct support to students in academic and behavioral settings to help them achieve individualized goals. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with one weekly team meeting until 4:00 p.m. Occasional before- or after-school hours may be required at the discretion of administrative staff. The position is based in a school/classroom setting. The role includes physical and safety-related duties. The Behavior Technician must be able to help keep students safe, and may need to implement CPI therapeutic-hold procedures, lift or guide students, and respond to unsafe situations. Duties take place in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment and may involve behavioral escalations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
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 help keep students safe, including physically intervening when required and trained, and to remove oneself or others from unsafe situations quickly.
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 maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment, 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 through support 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 behavior intervention plan strategies and techniques that encourage self-regulation and help students be ready 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 in professional development.
Complete an RBT course and certification testing within the specified time frame; after certification, take on additional classroom responsibilities and work directly with the behavior team as opportunities arise.
Help ensure student safety, including using CPI procedures when required and responding to unsafe situations.