Young Adult Special Education and Behavior Teacher

Thrive Education Partners • Fairport, NY

17d • $60,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Thrive Education Partners is seeking an experienced educator with a strong behavior-support background to work one-on-one with an autistic young adult in his home and community. The role combines individualized instruction, life and community skills, and behavior support, with an emphasis on dignity, communication, independence, and safety. The student communicates using short phrases, gestures, and an AAC device, has epilepsy, and has significant behavioral support needs, including a history of physical aggression. A behavior plan and written safety plan will be in place before the educator works independently, and Thrive will provide training and ongoing support.

The educator will provide instruction in communication, functional literacy, and math, while also supporting daily living, leisure, and community skills. Learning is intended to be active and experiential, connected to everyday routines and real-world experiences. The role involves designing and adapting the program as the student approaches adulthood and may include helping plan transition programming, community-based learning, vocational exploration, and a weekly schedule. As support providers are added, the educator may lead the team by setting program direction and training and coaching staff.

The position is based in the Greater Rochester, New York area and is primarily in the student’s home, with regular community-based learning and outings. It is expected to involve approximately four to five days per week, primarily afternoons and early evenings during the current school year, with some school breaks and weekend hours. The schedule may change after the student graduates. Driving and local travel are required. The role is described as long-term and full-time, with a salary of $60,000–$85,000 annually based on experience and credentials, health insurance, and guaranteed annual compensation. Start date is as soon as possible.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any field.
• At least five years of professional experience supporting individuals with disabilities and significant support needs.
• Hands-on experience supporting adolescents or adults with challenging behavior, including physical aggression.
• Current certification in a recognized crisis-intervention and safety program, such as CPI, QBS, PCM, Safety-Care, or equivalent.
• Experience supporting students with autism and significant communication needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a safe driving record; a motor vehicle record check will be completed.
• Eligible to work in the United States.
• Consistent weekly availability for a long-term role.

Nice To Haves

• BCBA or RBT certification.
• Degree in Special Education or a related field.
• State teaching certification.
• Experience with young adult transition programming, functional academics, or life skills instruction.
• Experience supervising, training, or coaching paraprofessionals, RBTs, or direct care staff.
• AAC experience or training.
• Experience developing or adapting individualized curriculum.
• Experience working within a family’s home.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver individualized instruction based on the student’s current skills, interests, and goals.
• Connect academics and communication to everyday routines, community outings, and real-world experiences.
• Implement the behavior and safety plans consistently and record daily behavior data.
• Build predictable routines and adjust plans on higher-need days.
• Communicate clearly and regularly with the family.
• Collaborate with Thrive’s Educational Manager on goals, progress, and program adjustments.
• Contribute to planning the student’s post-graduation program, potentially including transition programming, community-based learning, vocational exploration, and a weekly schedule built around his goals.
• As the program grows, set program direction and train and coach additional support staff.
• Collaborate with the student’s other service providers so everyone works from the same plan.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Stable, salaried, full-time employment with guaranteed annual compensation.
• Long-term role with room to grow into program design and team leadership.
• In-person onboarding and ongoing support from Thrive’s Educational Manager.
• A designated family contact available during every session.
• Collaboration with the student’s other service providers.
• Personalized matching, a dedicated placement coordinator, and access to Thrive’s educator network and resources.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level