Support Specialist

Behavioral Health Allies•Kansas City, MO

just now

About The Position

At BHA Academy, Support Specialists serve as proactive anchors of prevention, regulation, and relational safety. Rooted in BHA’s Core Values—Compassion with Purpose, Structure Builds Safety, Professionalism in Every Moment, Positivity Drives Progress, Education is Empowerment, Consistency Creates Change, Reunification is Our Mission, and Advocacy Through Action—this role extends beyond responding to behavior. Support Specialists focus on early identification of dysregulation, relationship-building, proactive intervention, and skill development to reduce crisis frequency and intensity. They partner closely with teachers, clinicians, and leadership to ensure consistent implementation of behavioral supports and trauma-informed practices across the Academy. This is a safety-sensitive position. Support Specialists must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including maintaining continuous alertness, providing direct supervision, driving individuals served as required, and administering medications as trained. Support Specialists implement supports using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working in close collaboration with Behavioral Clinicians to carry out evidence-based interventions, skill-building programs, and behavior support strategies with fidelity. This is a safety-sensitive position. Support Specialist must be able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, including maintaining continuous alertness, providing direct supervision, driving individuals served as required, and administering medications as trained. Support Specialist members implement supports using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), working in close collaboration with Behavioral Clinicians to carry out evidence-based interventions, skill-building programs, and behavior support strategies with fidelity.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in education, psychology, behavioral science, criminal justice, or related fields preferred.
At least one year of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors.
Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record (if transporting students).
Ability to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.
Organizational and time management proficiency.
Calm, grounded presence and ability to self-regulate under stress.
Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills.
Expertise in proactive behavior management and trauma-informed care.
Ability to collect and analyze behavioral data to inform support strategies.
Emotional resilience and professionalism in high-pressure situations.
Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, ABA principles, restorative approaches, and behavior intervention strategies.
Ability to remain calm, regulated, and decisive during high-stress situations.
Strong interpersonal communication skills grounded in empathy and cultural responsiveness.
Ability to recognize early warning signs of dysregulation and intervene proactively.
Commitment to dignity, healing-centered engagement, and equitable practice.

Nice To Haves

Training and certification in crisis de-escalation (PCM, MANDT, CPI, etc.) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Build strong, trusting relationships with students to understand triggers, motivations, and strengths through consistent presence and engagement.
Approach every crisis with empathy, patience, and a trauma-informed lens that seeks to understand before intervening and prioritizes dignity and understanding.
Support students in regaining emotional regulation through presence, connection, and reinforcement of desired behaviors.
Provide co-regulation support and model emotional safety.
Support students in identifying triggers and strengthening coping strategies.
Utilize non-coercive, student-centered interventions aligned with trauma-informed best practices.
Maintain a supportive tone that prioritizes student dignity and safety.
Model and coach paraprofessionals on maintaining predictable routines, visual supports, and clear expectations.
Support teams in implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and environmental modifications with fidelity.
Conduct debriefs with staff post-crisis to identify proactive adjustments that enhance structure and safety.
Administers medications and completes MAR documentation in accordance with training, physician orders, and BHA policy as needed.
Maintain visible presence throughout classrooms and common spaces to promote predictability and prevention.
Reinforce classroom routines, expectations, and positive behavior systems.
Assist with environmental adjustments that reduce behavioral triggers.
Maintain composure and emotional neutrality during escalations; respond to behavior with consistency, not emotion.
Document incidents, de-escalation efforts, and safety interventions accurately and timely.
Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and preparedness for every shift, ensuring staff and student safety remains paramount.
Uphold confidentiality and dignity in all interactions, following HIPAA and organizational policy.
Communicate clearly and collaboratively with staff during crisis events.
Promote a strengths-based, solution-focused mindset during and after crisis events.
Reinforce and celebrate positive staff and student behavior to build morale and resilience.
Support team reflection through nonjudgmental coaching and encouragement.
Promote solution-focused dialogue during staff collaboration.
Encourage resilience and growth following behavioral challenges.
Provide real-time coaching to paraprofessionals during challenging behaviors to build their de-escalation skillset.
Lead ongoing professional development in PCM techniques, antecedent interventions, and trauma-informed practice.
Use behavioral data to guide individualized coaching and staff training plans.
Model proactive de-escalation and regulation strategies for paraprofessionals.
Support staff in strengthening early-intervention skills.
Utilize behavioral trends and observation data to guide prevention planning.
Maintain presence across classrooms to ensure consistent application of safety plans and behavioral supports.
Collaborate with clinical and teaching teams to align crisis management strategies school-wide.
Follow through on plans, reinforcing growth and accountability.
Support students in learning regulation and replacement behaviors that promote success in less restrictive environments.
Facilitate restorative conversations to promote accountability and reintegration into learning spaces.
Partner with clinical and instructional staff to reduce frequency and intensity of crises through proactive planning.
Advocate for safe, therapeutic, supportive environments for both students and staff.
Promote equitable, student-centered responses to behavior.
Lead by example in promoting a culture of dignity, respect, and professional excellence across the Academy.
Participate in team meetings, professional development, and fidelity observations.
Support operational and training initiatives as assigned.
Complete required documentation and reports according to policy.
Perform other duties as necessary to uphold BHA’s mission and safety standards.