Program Aide

LEARN Academy•Tempe, AZ

17d•$18

About The Position

As a Behavior Technician at Desert Choice Schools, you’ll have the exciting role of helping students with special needs develop academic and self-help skills, social and emotional regulation, flexible thinking, language development, and motor development. Desert Choice Schools (DCS) is a state-approved private day school in Arizona, serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. We provide individually tailored services to students with special needs — including autism and emotional and learning disabilities. DCS is a division of the LEARN Academy, a national leader in special education, academic intervention, and specialized behavioral services. We use a structured program implemented in environments that facilitate functional independence and academic and social success. Entry pay starts at $18 per hour with performance-based pay increases and mentored opportunities for advancement. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree earn an additional $.50 per hour. This is a full-time, 10-month position with unpaid school breaks

Requirements

A genuine desire to help make a difference in the lives of children with special needs.
A steady supply of compassion, empathy, enthusiasm, kindness, goodwill, and reliability.
A willingness to learn about a variety of disability categories and learning differences.
High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
1-2 years’ experience working with children in a special needs educational setting preferred but not required – we are willing to train!
Ability to collaborate and receive feedback, mentoring, and direction from peers and supervisors.
Demonstrated experience in maintaining a professional and clinical perspective, with the ability to not internalize or personalize (e.g., emotionally) regarding certain student behaviors or mannerisms that occur.
Demonstrated experience using physical ability and dexterity to safely and effectively use Crisis Management Interventions (including the use of therapeutic holds) of all involved (e.g., self, student, other employees).
Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card or can obtain one.

Nice To Haves

college degree preferred.
1-2 years’ experience working with children in a special needs educational setting preferred but not required – we are willing to train!

Responsibilities

Providing direct instructional support to individuals and/or groups of students.
Providing structured support in social-emotional, adaptive behavior, and social-skill development.
Collecting data regarding student(s) progress towards their goals/objectives as directed by the teaching and clinical team.
Reinforcing academic behaviors taught by certified staff and providing the student with opportunities to practice.
Assisting students in community, recreational, school, and leisure activities under the direction of certified staff.
Implementing organization-approved techniques for verbal de-escalation and safe physical restraint. Training in specific therapeutic techniques provided by Desert Choice Schools.
Performing other related duties as assigned and required by the building administration and certified staff.
lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, and grasp for extended periods of time.