Abilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.
Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Abilities First is seeking a Behavior Support Specialist in our school program located in Poughkeepsie, NY. This position will provide behavioral support for students in the classroom to increase student independence through age appropriate, functional means.
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 3:00pm; 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year. This position follows the school calendar (September - June), with a 6-week summer program.
Salary Range: $17.18 - $18.18
Responsibilities include:

• Collect data as part of a functional behavior analysis.
• Monitor behavior and strategies and interventions accordingly
• Collaborate with classroom teacher on appropriate use of positive reinforcements.
• Manage challenging behaviors of students in classroom using research-based practices.
• Follows the classroom schedule ensuring that individual student's IEP, specifically behavioral goals are achieved.
• Assists in the classroom to conduct individual and group activities.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and job skill training.
• Attend therapy sessions with students to assist with behavior management and to allow for appropriate carryover in the classroom.
• Assists in the organization and arrangement of the classroom as part of student's therapeutic behavior plan.
• Escorts and assists students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students' increased independence in mobility and orientation.
• Attends all specials with students (PE, art, music, etc.)
• Takes off and puts on outdoor clothing as necessary and provide opportunities for students' increased independence in self-dressing and undressing.
• Toilet children and use appropriate adaptive equipment if necessary. This should be done at least 3 times daily (more often when necessary.)
• Change clothing when wet or soiled.
• Change diapers and/or sanitary napkins as necessary.
• Set up computers, communication device systems and related adaptive equipment.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and the safety of others.
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off (or paid time off on the school calendar)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance.
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support
• On Demand Payment - access your earnings as early as the next day
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.
• And More!

Requirements
High School Diploma or equivalent.

• A combination of education and experience which in the opinion of school administration meets the needs of the school program.
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.