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.

Responsibilities include:

• Assists in the implementation of positive behavioral interventions, supports and services.
• Attends to the educational, physical, social and emotional needs of the students while assisting the Classroom Teacher and Teaching Assistant in the implementation of students’ IEP goals and behavioral intervention plans.
• Collaborates with Classroom Teacher on appropriate use of positive reinforcements.
• Monitors behavior and strategies and interventions accordingly.
• Collects data as part of a functional behavior analysis.
• Assists in the classroom to conduct individual and group activities.
• Escorts and assists students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students’ increased independence in mobility and orientation.
• Perform wheelchair/equipment transporting, transferring and lifting.
• Toilet children and use appropriate adaptive equipment if necessary. Change clothing when wet or soiled.

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!

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.
• Valid NYS driver's license deemed acceptable by our insurance carrier.