Support Specialist

Description

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.

• 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…