Behavior Support Assistant

Various - Special Education

Associate’s Degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire

OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district

Mesa Public Schools is an award-winning district and voted Best Place to Work in Mesa. With over 9,000 employees, we are the largest school district in Arizona. Families have sent generations of students through our schools, as we are the premier educational choice in Arizona.

OVERVIEW

The Behavior Technician will use applied behavior analysis to provide behavior support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They will implement learning programs (communication, self-help, play skills) under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts and the Coordinator of Specialized Programs, collect data on target behaviors, and meet with supervisors regularly.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district

• Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavioral goals
• Ability to work well with students, staff, and parents, good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work well in stressful situations
• Computer proficiency to include the use of basic software applications (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to operate standard office equipment
• Ability to organize and prioritize and to follow classroom guidelines as put forth by the supervisor 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement learning programs (communication, self-help, and play skills) as written and instructed by the BCBA
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors, including verbal and physical aggression
• Gather behavioral data to track progress in reaching behavioral objectives identified in the behavior plan and periodically modify the plan, under the supervision of the BCBA, to adapt to the child's response to the intervention.
• Respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy
• Perform and provide support tasks following district procedures as required based on student needs, including but not limited to:
• Behavior management techniques where elopement behavior both on and off campus happens on a regular basis
• District-identified behavior management strategies (A.S.P.E.N.)
• Physical interventions to remediate severe emotional and behavior dysregulation when the student presents as a danger to self or others
• Accompany students as they transition across campus
• Monitor individual and/or small student groups in the classroom and/or on the playground to maintain a safe and positive learning environment; facilitate social peer interactions
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment
• Model professional, safe, responsible, and respectful behavior
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledge
• Regular and on-time attendance required
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit
• Assist other personnel as may be required to support them in the completion of their work activities
• May lift, pull, push or carry
• May stand for a prolonged period
• May move lightweight furniture
• May be exposed to outdoor elements
• May require strength to push/pull 30-35 lbs.
• May require physical intervention for students experiencing behavioral difficulties
• Physical demands may require assistance from other personnel

SUPERVISION

• Coordinator of Specialized Programs
• Board Certified Behavior Analysts

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION: The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, disability, age or marital status.