Young Adult SPED & Behavior Teacher - Relocation Available

Thrive Education Partners • Syracuse, NY

8d • 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, functional academics, communication, daily living and community skills, and behavior support. The student communicates using short phrases, gestures, and an AAC device and has epilepsy and significant behavioral support needs, including a history of physical aggression. The educator will provide a calm, consistent presence and adapt the program to the student’s health, regulation, interests, and goals. A behavior plan and written safety plan will be in place, with training provided before the educator works independently.

The educator will have a defined daily block for communication, functional literacy, and math instruction, with remaining time devoted to daily living, leisure, and community skills. The position offers autonomy and ongoing support from Thrive’s behavior and educational management team, including in-home onboarding, weekly check-ins during the first two months, and continued collaboration with the Educational Manager.

This is a long-term role intended to evolve as the student moves from traditional school into adulthood. The educator may contribute to planning transition programming, community-based learning, vocational exploration, and a weekly schedule. As the program expands and additional support providers join, the educator may lead program direction and train and coach staff.

The position is based in Fairport, NY, with primarily in-home work and regular community outings. It requires driving and local travel. The schedule is 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 is expected to change after the student graduates. The start date is as soon as possible. Relocation assistance is available. Compensation is $60,000–$85,000 annually, based on experience and credentials.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any field.
• At least 5 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 commitment.

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.
• As the program grows, help set its direction and train and coach additional support staff.

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 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 during hiring, and access to Thrive’s educator network and resources.

What This Job Offers

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