Behavioral Tech​/Paraprofessional - Tempe Campus

Tempe, AZ

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses.

Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world‑class education, and a nurturing environment.

The Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS) implements methods and interventions from the student Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to help the student achieve the goals of the IEP, develop positive coping strategies, initiate teacher‑driven replacement behaviors for the student, and help support all students and adults within the learning environment. This role is critical to the success of our students and a positive learning environment.

• Provide instructional and behavioral support to special education students and school personnel in a school setting.
• Implement methods and interventions from the student’s IEP to help the student achieve the goals of the IEP, develop positive coping strategies, initiate teacher‑driven replacement behaviors for the student, and help support all students and adults within the learning environment.
• Provide safety, security, supervision, and academic support to the student and assigned classroom, supervise students in the hallways, during lunch, recess, and special classes throughout the school day.
• Keep each student or his/her individual student within eyesight and/or under direct supervision at all times.
• Provide support and assistance to students with personal hygiene needs, including toileting, in a respectful and compassionate manner, ensuring their dignity and comfort are maintained at all times.
• Conduct organizational tasks, daily routines for instructional practices, supervision of school‑aged children, and other appointed tasks in the best interest of the students and school.
• Assist in the safe physical management of a student in crisis if the student is a danger to self or others; all TSS will receive detailed training through Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) to implement these procedures.

• TSS will receive on‑the‑job training and specialized training on CPI and CPR.
• Ongoing skills training will be provided throughout the school year as determined by leadership.
• The worker is required each year to maintain training to keep skills up to date, as determined appropriate by Austin Centers.
• Patience, care, understanding and passion for students with special needs.

• High School Diploma or GED, required.
• No prior experience required; all training will be provided.
• Prior experience working with children is preferred.
• All staff members are trained in:
  Austin Centers Student and Safety Techniques, non‑violent crisis intervention, classroom management, positive behavioral supports, instructional practices, CPR, First Aid, and other training as deemed appropriate for the assigned student population.
• TSS will be trained in the ability to de‑escalate situations to provide replacement strategies and ensure the safety of all students and staff members; therapeutic hold is a last resort.
• TSS must have a valid Fingerprint Clearance Card to work with children in Arizona.

• Must be able to lift a minimum of 140 pounds from a standing position.
• Walk, talk, sit, stand, walk up and down stairs, crouch, kneel, and crawl.
• On occasion perform other activities as determined by student needs.

• All TSS are subject to pre‑employment and random drug screenings.
• Successful completion of a background check and ongoing OIG monitoring.
• Pre‑qualification screenings as determined by Austin Centers.

Starting at $18 per hour.

• Pay Range: $18.50 – $20.50 per hour.

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Paid training

Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of background or identity.

Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!