Behavior Technician

About the role

As a Behavior Technician at LEARN Academy (formerly Desert Choice Schools), you’ll help students with special needs develop academic and self-help skills, social and emotional regulation, flexible thinking, language development, and motor development.

We look for candidates with:

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

LEARN Academy is a state-approved private day school in Arizona serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. We provide individually tailored services to students with special needs—including autism and emotional and learning disabilities. As a national leader in special education, academic intervention, and specialized behavioral services, we use a structured program implemented in environments that facilitate functional independence and academic and social success.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instructional support to individuals and/or groups of students
• Offer structured support in social-emotional, adaptive behavior, and social-skill development
• Collect data regarding student(s) progress toward their goals/objectives as directed by the teaching and clinical team
• Reinforce academic behaviors taught by certified staff and provide students with opportunities to practice
• Assist students in community, recreational, school, and leisure activities under the direction of certified staff
• Implement organization-approved techniques for verbal de-escalation and safe physical restraint (training provided)
• 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 in a special needs educational setting preferred but not required—we are willing to train
• Ability to collaborate and receive feedback, mentoring, and direction from peers and supervisors
• Demonstrated experience maintaining a professional and clinical perspective, without internalizing or personalizing student behaviors or mannerisms
• Demonstrated experience using physical ability and dexterity to safely and effectively use Crisis Management Interventions (including therapeutic holds)
• Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card or ability to obtain one

Physical requirements vary based on student assignments and may include lifting/moving up to 100 pounds, stooping, reaching, standing, kneeling, squatting, sitting, walking, pulling, and grasping for extended periods.

Pay

Entry pay starts at $18 per hour with performance-based pay increases. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree earn an additional $0.50 per hour.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 10-month position with unpaid school breaks.

Benefits

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