PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
About The Position
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
- Must pass a drug test and both federal and state background checks!
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
- Maintain a caseload of youth identified as high risk for behavioral escalation
- Conduct individual and small-group sessions focused on cardiovascular engagement and regulation
- Facilitate structured activities such as basketball, soccer, interval training, agility drills, and cycling
- Provide guided coaching during activity to support emotional awareness and behavioral choices
- Assist youth in identifying triggers and practicing alternative responses
- Deliver proactive interventions to reduce the likelihood of crisis behavior
- Design and implement structured recreation programming across residential units
- Minimize idle time and reduce unstructured or chaotic activities
- Increase safe cardiovascular intensity and engagement levels
- Establish organized team formats that reinforce discipline and accountability
- Collaborate with and train unit staff on maintaining structure, safety, and behavioral expectations during movement activities
- Support consistent implementation of program standards across shifts
- Integrate physiological regulation techniques into programming, including: Tactical breathing, Heart rate monitoring and recovery training, Mobility and flexibility work
- Collaborate with external specialists (e.g., yoga or wellness instructors) to enhance programming
- Facilitate short, guided recovery sessions to promote down-regulation following physical activity
- Teach youth strategies to intentionally transition from activation to calm
- Use movement as a proactive intervention to reduce aggression and crisis incidents
- Reinforce program expectations, structure, and accountability during all activities
- Model calm, controlled responses in high-energy environments
- Maintain safety and behavioral boundaries at all times
- Communicate effectively with clinical and program staff regarding youth progress
Benefits
- Rewarding career for those passionate about making a difference
- Great place to start your career whether you have a high school diploma or GED, military experience, some college, or a bachelor or advanced degree
- Career path for those interested in counseling, juvenile justice, psychology, social work, teaching or just want to make a difference
- Equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment
- All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
