BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SPECIALIST

The Theresa Paplin School is a non-diploma bound, New York State certified special education school that serves adolescents and young adults who are dually diagnosed with a serious emotional disturbance as well as a developmental disability. Students live at our Ottilie Residential Treatment Facility or attend as day students referred by New York City Department of Education school districts. The school teaches functional, academic and vocational skills based on each individual’s abilities.

Responsibilities:

1. Implement Behavior Intervention Plans in conjunction with classroom staff during class time and as needed.
2. Provide support to staff on an on-going basis as well as during potential and actual crises.
3. Model calmness and assurance in order to set a tone of stability and control in daily activities and crisis situations for both individuals served and staff.
4. Assist in training staff in personal safety as well as in verbal and physical intervention techniques.
5. Ensure completion of all documentation of crisis situations in accordance with regulations and agency procedures.
6. Demonstrate the ability to model appropriate pro-active and re-active strategies to defuse crisis situations.
7. Participate in team meetings to obtain information, provide feedback/input, and assist in development of Behavior Intervention and treatment plans.
8. Follow prescribed reporting procedures accurately and within appropriate time frames.
9. Adhere to daily schedule and routines.
10. Provide direct assistance to classrooms when needed.
11. Assist with ensuring that transition times are handled smoothly and with a minimum of noise.
12. If a crisis should occur in between the ending of your shift, you must stay until the incident is over.
13. During meal times, you must ensure that there is good tone in the cafeteria, all clients are being supervised, eating their meals and ensuring that diet plans are being followed.
14. Coordinate and communicate with Clinical and Nursing Departments regarding students’ psychological, medical and physical wellbeing.

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma, Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree preferred
2. Teacher Assistant Certification
3. Successful completion of state background check
4. Certified in SCIP-R
5. Authorized driver
6. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
7. Good oral and written communication skills
8. Experience working with individuals diagnosed with Autism and/or Intellectual Disabilities

SCO Family of Services is committed to ensuring the safety of our clients. All staff are screened and trained. Any inappropriate interactions with clients are taken seriously. We will fully cooperate with authorities in any case of abuse.

SCO Family of Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.