Behavior Support Specialist - Abilities First Myers Corners Education Center in Wappingers Falls, NY

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day programs and residential services, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work.

If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

We are looking for patient, energetic and passionate Behavior Support Specialist for our Myers Corners School program, located in Wappingers Falls, NY. This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, focusing on the educational programming for all school-age children at every level of ability. This position will provide behavioral support for students in the classroom to increase student independence through age appropriate, functional means.

Monday - Friday 8:00 am-3:00 pm, 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6-week summer program)

$18.04 - $20.04

• Collect data as part of a functional behavior analysis.
• Monitor behavior and strategies and interventions accordingly
• Collaborate with classroom teacher on appropriate use of positive reinforcements.
• Manage challenging behaviors of students in classroom using research-based practices.
• Follows the classroom schedule ensuring that individual student’s IEP, specifically behavioral goals are achieved.
• Assists in the classroom to conduct individual and group activities.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and job skill training.
• Attend therapy sessions with students to assist with behavior management and to allow for appropriate carryover in the classroom.
• Assists in the organization and arrangement of the classroom as part of student's therapeutic behavior plan.
• Escorts and assists students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students’ increased independence in mobility and orientation.
• Attends all specials with students (PE, art, music, etc.)
• Takes off and puts on outdoor clothing as necessary and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in self-dressing and undressing.
• Toilet children and use appropriate adaptive equipment if necessary. This should be done at least 3 times daily (more often when necessary.)
• Change clothing when wet or soiled.
• Change diapers and/or sanitary napkins as necessary.
• Set up computers, communication device systems and related adaptive equipment.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

• Perks & Benefits*:
• Time to Recharge – Personal and sick time with additional paid time off in accordance with school calendar
• Health & Wellness –…