Behavior Technician (Paraprofessional) - West Hills

About the role

Gersh Autism is a year-round school program serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. We provide personalized education, therapeutic services, and vocational training, collaborating with families to foster academic, social, and emotional growth.

Responsibilities

• Aid in implementing IEPs and BIPs for students with autism
• Provide one-on-one and small group support to encourage academic, social, and behavioral growth
• Support students with daily tasks such as communication, social interaction, and self-management skills
• Prepare students and materials for classroom activities, field trips, and other events
• Implement behavior intervention plan strategies to promote self-regulation
• Collect and document data on student performance, behavior, and progress
• Collaborate with the teaching team and behavior specialists to create a positive learning environment
• Communicate with teachers and other staff about student progress and challenges
• Participate in training sessions and professional development

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Associate’s degree or higher in education, psychology, or a related field preferred
• Experience working with children, especially those with autism or special needs, is a plus but not required
• A passion for supporting students with autism and other developmental disabilities
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to remain patient, empathetic, and flexible in various situations
• Willingness to take a course and complete testing to become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) within a specified time frame

Growth Opportunities

• Opportunities to take on more responsibilities within the classroom and work directly with the behavior team
• Development of behavior intervention strategies
• Potential for career advancement in education and behavioral therapy fields within the Gersh Autism network, including future leadership roles and specialized certifications

Location and Schedule

Huntington, NY
Monday – Friday / 8:00am – 3:00pm (and once a week until 4PM for a team meeting)
Occasional before and after school, work hours at the discretion of the Administrative staff
School / Classroom setting

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures
• Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workday
• Ability to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizes
• Ability to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)
• Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quickly
• Ability to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environment
• Ability to multi-task and shift priorities quickly
• Exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situations
• Work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationships
• Perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalations

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to personal and professional growth
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retail Plan (401k matching)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development