PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
About The Position
Now hiring a Physical Development Specialist to join our team at Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, PA. Here, you will help at-risk adolescents BUILD BETTER FUTURES. Abraxas Academy is located minutes off of Exit 298 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Berks County and provides detention and treatment services for court committed youth. The Physical Development Specialist implements the Regulation and Movement Program (RAMP), a targeted stabilization strategy designed to reduce behavioral escalation among high-risk youth through structured physical activity and physiological regulation techniques. Youth served at Abraxas Academy often operate in a state of heightened physiological activation due to trauma exposure, impulsivity, and environmental stressors. This role addresses the underlying biological drivers of behavior by providing proactive, movement-based interventions that reduce escalation, improve self-regulation, and enhance overall program stability. This position is not traditional recreation or supervision. The Physical Development Specialist uses exercise science principles as a behavioral intervention, integrating cardiovascular activity, structured programming, and recovery techniques to support emotional and behavioral regulation.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, sports science, psychology, or a similar discipline) preferred
- Demonstrated ability to lead structured group activities or programming
- Interest in working with adolescents and supporting behavioral growth
- Ability to manage groups in active, high-energy environments
- Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills
- Ability to maintain structure, discipline, and safety during movement-based activities
Nice To Haves
- Experience leading athletic, fitness, recreation, or youth development activities
- Experience working in team-based or structured program environments
- Familiarity with behavior management, coaching, or mentoring approaches
- Certification in CPR/First Aid (or ability to obtain)
Responsibilities
- Targeted Caseload Intervention
- Structured Recreation Leadership
- Regulation and Recovery Integration
- Behavior Stabilization Support
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
