Behavior Support Specialist - Penncrest

Family Services of NW PA; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus

Zero-Cost Medical

401(k) Match (7.5%)

Employee Assistance Program

Voluntary Benefits

187 days with summers off

Supervision & training

Job summary

Family Services of NW PA is seeking a Behavior Support Specialist to provide direct behavioral and educational support in a school setting. You will work with teachers, staff, and families to help students develop positive behaviors and succeed in the classroom.

You will follow treatment plans, assist during crises, and help create a safe environment where students thrive. The role includes supervision and ongoing training, with a 180-day schedule aligned to the school year and summers off,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a social services field is required.
• Experience working in a classroom is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct behavioral and educational support to students in a school setting.
• Follow prescribed treatment plans and assist during behavioral or crisis situations.
• Create a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive.
• Work approximately 180 days following the school calendar, with summers off.
• Participate in bi-weekly supervision with a Family Services supervisor and training.
• Support emotional and academic programs across the building as needed.

Skills

Classroom experience

Crisis de-escalation

Supportive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in social services

Job description

*$500 at 90 days, $500 at 180 days and $1,000 at 1 year

The BSS position follows the school calendar, with 187 scheduled workdays throughout the academic year. Employees are paid for the days worked during the school year; summers are unpaid. Benefits remain active year-round, including during school breaks and the summer months.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Behavior Support Specialist (BSS) provides direct behavioral and educational support to students in a school setting. Working collaboratively with teachers, school staff, and families, the BSS helps students develop positive behaviors, manage challenges, and succeed in the classroom. The BSS follows prescribed treatment plans, provides support during behavioral or crisis situations, and helps create a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive.

AS A BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SPECIALIST, YOU WILL:

• Work approximately 180 days following the school calendar, with summers off, plus up to 7 additional training days.
• Support students in Emotional Support (ES), regular education classrooms, and throughout the building as needed.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations, including violence and physical aggression, using de-escalation strategies such as Ukeru.
• Support school-wide behavioral and academic programs, including Zones of Regulation, and intervene with students as recommended by the Emotional Support Teacher, School Psychologist, and/or Principal.
• Participate in bi-weekly supervision with a Family Services supervisor and complete required training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a social services field required.
• Experience working in a classroom preferred.

BENEFITS:

• $2,000 Sign-On Bonus
• Zero-Cost Medical Options
• 401(k) Match Up to 7.5%
• Employee Assistance Program andVoluntary Benefits Available
• Work 187 days aligned with the school calendar, with paid summers off
• Ongoing supervision, training, and opportunities for professional growth

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICES OF NW PA:

Family Services of NW PA (FSNWPA) is a non-profit social service agency with a mission to Strengthen Families and Transform Lives. We provide a comprehensive continuum of care and high-quality, innovative programs and services to children and families across Northwest Pennsylvania. Services are available in Erie, Crawford, and Mercer Counties in Pennsylvania.

Family Services of NW PA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by applicable law. If you need assistance with our online application due to an impairment or disability, call 814-866-4530.