Behavior Interventionist

About the role

As a Behavior Interventionist at Beach Cities Learning, you’ll help students with special needs develop academic, daily living, and self-help skills, social and emotional regulation, flexible thinking, language development, and motor development through a form of play-based therapy known as applied behavior analysis (ABA).

Learn Academy, formerly known as Beach Cities Learning, is an accredited non-public school dedicated to serving students who have faced challenges in traditional academic settings. Founded in 2009, our mission is to create a stimulating and supportive environment for students ages 5 to 22 who have found conventional schools less accommodating. LEARN Academy is a national leader in special education, academic intervention, and specialized behavioral services, using a structured program implemented in environments that facilitate functional independence and academic and social success.

Responsibilities

• Work with students with moderate to severe special needs in a Functional Academic Communication Social Skills (FACSS) classroom.
• Use applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to provide direct instructional support to individuals and/or groups of students.
• Provide structured support in social-emotional, adaptive behavior, social-skill, and life skill development, including toileting.
• Collect data regarding student(s) progress towards their goals/objectives as directed by the teaching and clinical team.
• Reinforce academic behaviors taught by certified staff and provide the student with opportunities to practice.
• Assist students in community, recreational, school, and leisure activities under the direction of certified staff.
• Implement district-approved techniques for verbal de-escalation and safe physical restraint. Training in specific therapeutic techniques provided by Beach Cities Learning.
• Perform other related duties as assigned and required by the building administration and certified staff.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
• 1-2 years’ experience working with children with moderate to severe disabilities in a special needs educational setting, including experience with toileting.
• Ability to collaborate and receive feedback, mentoring, and direction from peers and supervisors.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining a professional and clinical perspective, with the ability to not internalize or personalize (e.g., emotionally) regarding certain student behaviors or mannerisms that occur.
• Demonstrated experience using physical ability and dexterity to safely and effectively use crisis management interventions (including the use of therapeutic holds) of all involved (e.g., self, student, other employees).

Physical requirements vary and are based on specific student assignments. You may be asked to engage in any of the following: lift and/or move up to 100 pounds, stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, and grasp for extended periods of time.

Characteristics we look for

• A genuine desire to help make a difference in the lives of children with special needs.
• A steady supply of compassion, empathy, enthusiasm, kindness, goodwill, and reliability.
• A willingness to learn about a variety of disability categories, learning differences, and ABA.

Pay

Entry pay starts at $20 per hour with performance-based pay increases and mentored opportunities for advancement.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation plan
• Comprehensive benefits and retirement plans
• Tuition assistance reimbursement (up to $2,000 per year)
• Referral bonuses

Schedule

This is a full-time, 10-month position with unpaid school breaks. There is potential for Extended School Year (ESY) and summer school scheduling.