What are the responsibilities and job description for the Behavior Specialist Job – WISCA position at the Watson Institute?
Posted on April 13, 2026
The Watson Institute Social Center for Academic Achievement (WISCA) school for autistic students is hiring a full-time Behavior Specialist at our Sharpsburg, PA location. This position works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and follows the school calendar.
Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Watson Institute!
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Sharpsburg, PA
200 Linden Avenue | Sharpsburg, PA 15215
Job Responsibilities
The Watson Institute Social Center for Academic Achievement (WISCA) school for autistic students is hiring a full-time Behavior Specialist at our Sharpsburg, PA location. This position works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and follows the school calendar.
Learn more about what it’s like to work at the Watson Institute!
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Sharpsburg, PA
200 Linden Avenue | Sharpsburg, PA 15215
Job Responsibilities
- Complete observations on students
- Consult with classroom team
- Complete functional behavioral assessments on students
- Complete stimulus preference assessments on students
- Support classroom teaching teams in the design and implementation of positive behavior support programs for students
- Develop data collection protocol
- Trend and analyze data
- Train staff in behavior management procedures
- Contribute to RRs/IEPs and progress reports
- Other duties as assigned
- Master’s Degree in psychology, education, or a closely related field required
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst and/or PA Behavior Specialist License preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of behavioral principles, evidenced by experience and education
- Experience working with children with autism and behavior problems, at least three years’ experience preferred
- Experience writing, implementing, and evaluating positive behavior support plans
- Most tasks require oral communication, visual and hearing perception, and the ability to get around the classrooms, cafeteria, gym, campus, etc.
- Experience collaborating with teams
- Supervise students during emergency drills, play periods and community-based instruction; the ability to keep up with running children and/or to lift, position, or assist with lifting students is essential to perform this task
- The essential functions of the job described herein require the ability to exert moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, kneeling, crouching and brisk walking, which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and material of moderate weight (40 pounds)
- Ability to use the strategies of Comprehensive Crisis Management and Ukeru to physically support students for their safety and the safety of others
- Current Acts 34, 114, and 151 clearances required
- Pre-employment medical examination, including a tuberculosis test required
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurances as well as life and long-term disability and access to voluntary benefits.
- 403b Retirement Plan with Watson matching employee contributions after 1 year of employment.
- Access to Tuition Reimbursement to pursue further education and advanced degrees.
- Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and flexible spending accounts.