Behavior Specialist Assistant

Wildwood Programs; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 48,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Wildwood Programs seeks a Behavior Specialist Assistant for Wildwood Schools in Schenectady/Latham. The role supports students aged 18–22 with developmental disabilities, under the Behavior Analyst/Specialist. A 12-month position with focus on implementing behavior plans and data-driven progress is offered.

Salary ranges from $23.25 to $34.25 per hour based on experience. Travel between Schenectady and Latham sites may be required, and CALM training is provided to successful candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology or related field with experience with developmental disabilities.
• Associate’s degree with 5 years’ relevant experience.
• High School diploma/GED with 10 years’ relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Acts as a primary resource to staff in positive behavioral support and assists with de-escalation and crisis intervention as needed.
• Models positive behavioral support in an integrated team environment and helps implement school-wide plans to improve student outcomes.
• Trains staff in CALM de-escalation and protective measures.
• Ensures documentation of interventions is complete, accurate, and maintained.
• Prepares for data collection with guidance from the behavior analyst.
• Assists with functional behavior assessments and developing behavior intervention plans including direct assessments.
• Enters data, updates graphs, and communicates trends to the behavior analyst.

Skills

Behavioral observation

De-escalation techniques

Data collection & analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in psychology or special education

Associate’s degree + 5 years’ experience

High School diploma/GED + 10 years’ experience

Tools

CALM training

Job description

Behavior Specialist Assistant - Wildwood Schools

Salary range $23.25/hr - $34.25/hr based on relevant experience

This is a 12-month position

The successful candidate will work in either of our Wildwood Schools located in Schenectady and Latham depending on coverage.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college in psychology, special education,or related field; plus experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities
• Associate's degree from a regionally accredited college in psychology, special education,or related field; plus 5 years' experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• High School diploma/GED plus 10 years of relevant experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities

Who We Are

Wildwood School, a part of Wildwood Programs, provides a comprehensive educational program for students with autism spectrum disorders, and developmental disabilities to prepare them to be as independent as possible; Academic, social, employment, and functional skills are taught to each student as driven by their Individual Educational Plan (IEP), needs, and interests.

Who Are We Looking For

We are looking for a Behavior Specialist Assistant observe; and document behaviors and work with students ages 18-22 with disabilities. This position works collaboratively with students and teams in assisting the Behavior Analyst/Specialist with developing and implementing behavior intervention plans.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Acts as a primary resource to staff in positive behavioral support & assists with de-escalation and crisis intervention as needed.
• Models positive behavioral support in an integrated team environment, fostering a comprehensive school wide plan to improve the lives of students.
• Serve as a trainer for CALM de-escalation and protective measures.
• Assists behavior analyst/specialist by ensuring that all appropriate documentation regarding behavioral interventions are documented, collected, analyzed, and maintained.
• Prepares for data collection with guidance from the behavior analyst/specialist
• Works in conjunction with the behavior analyst/specialist in conducting functional behavior assessments and developing behavior intervention plans, including direct assessment procedures such as PFA/SBT.
• Enters data and updates graphs, communicates changes and trends to the behavior analyst/ specialist.

Other Work Requirements

• A valid New York State Driver’s License and ability to drive and driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage are required.
• Required to complete, pass, and use CALM training, provided by the school, which includes deescalation strategies and approved protective holds and movements for students.