Young Adult SPED & Behavior Teacher - Relocation Available

Thrive Education Partners • Syracuse, NY

9d • $60,000 - $85,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Thrive Education Partners is seeking an experienced educator to work one-on-one with an autistic young adult in his home and community in Fairport, New York. The role combines individualized instruction, life and community skills, and behavior support. The student communicates with 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 a defined daily block of instruction in communication, functional literacy, and math, with remaining time focused on daily living, leisure, and community skills. The role calls for an educator who can connect learning to real-life activities, provide consistent routines, and adapt plans to the student’s needs. The educator will work closely with the family, Thrive’s Educational Manager, and the student’s other service providers.

This is a long-term, salaried, full-time position with approximately four to five workdays per week, primarily afternoons and early evenings during the current school year, as well as some school breaks and weekend hours. The schedule may change after the student graduates. The work is primarily in-home, with regular community-based learning and outings. Driving and local travel are required. The program is expected to grow after graduation, with opportunities to help shape the student’s next program and potentially lead, train, and coach a team of support providers. Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to the Rochester area.

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 input to planning the student’s post-graduation program, which may include transition programming, community-based learning, vocational exploration, and a weekly schedule based on his goals.
• As the program expands, help set program direction and train and coach support staff to ensure consistent implementation of the student’s plan.

Benefits

• Health insurance.
• Relocation support for candidates moving to the Rochester area.
• Supervision hours toward BCBA certification can be provided.
• Stable, salaried, full-time employment with guaranteed annual compensation.
• Long-term role with opportunities 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.
• Access to Thrive’s educator network and resources.
• A dedicated placement coordinator throughout the hiring process.

What This Job Offers

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