Behavior Technician (Specialist or Paraprofessional) - Mesa Elementary Campus

Behavior Technician - Mesa Elementary Campus (K-3rd Grade) 

AZACS is growing, and we invite you to apply to be part of our award-winning team

AZACS was awarded the 2023/2024 National ESEA Distinguished Schools Award for Arizona and the 2022 YASS Prize for innovation in education and providing a transformational experience by expanding unique individualized learning programs for autism charter schools. 

Arizona Autism Charter School is seeking dedicated team members to support the growth and development of students on the autism spectrum. Staff work at one campus location, follow consistent schedules, and receive ongoing mentoring, support, and professional development with opportunities for career advancement.

Under the supervision of the Applied Behavior Analysis Co-Director, Behavior Specialists implement ABA strategies in the classroom to help students access the curriculum and meet IEP goals. This is a school-year position with optional summer opportunities. Candidates should have classroom experience and a strong understanding of ABA principles. Behavior Paraprofessional positions are available for applicants with less experience.

Duties: 

• Assists in the implementation of instructional programs, including self-help and behavior management, as well as instruction. 
• Work as part of a classroom team to support academic instruction and behavior plans.
• Execute lessons as directed by the teacher or classroom lead. These may include supporting independent work, special projects, or teaching a lesson to a small group.
• Assist with classroom planning and preparing materials with the classroom teacher.
• Assist students in participating in classroom routines, transitions, and self-care tasks as necessary.
• Implement behavior intervention techniques in alignment with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as directed by the ABA Manager or Campus Director.
• Mentor and train Paraprofessionals on best practices. 
• Follow tier-one behavioral supports and behavior plans as directed.
• Able to obtain and maintain QBS certification.
• Strong adherence to policies as outlined in the AZACS Employee Handbook.
• Maintain professional conduct and appearance.
• Work with special education students may include lifting, feeding, changing, toileting, and other services. 
• Consistent and regular attendance is a key requirement of this position.
• Other duties as assigned by the Managers and Directors.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 1-2 years of experience in a classroom setting. 
• Must have an understanding of behavioral characteristics associated with autism and other behavioral issues.
• A strong foundation in applied behavior analysis is preferred.
• Has good communication skills, both written and verbal, particularly with parents and education professionals.
• Has a basic understanding of instructional methods and education curriculum.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to handle emotionally charged situations.
• Has the ability to train other people to apply behavior management techniques effectively.
• Track record of success in behavior management with students with autism or other special needs
• Ability to approach situations with optimism and perseverance
• Ability to work independently and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously 
• Ability to exercise reasonable judgment and maintain confidentiality
• A valid Arizona IVP fingerprint clearance card is required  
• First aid/CPR certification is required within 30 days of hire
• High school diploma or equivalent required

Benefits:

• One location at a professional school setting, no driving to appointments
• Set hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life, Employee Assistance Program, and Pet Insurance
• Complementary access to Calm Health for you and up to 5 of your loved ones
• 80 hours of Paid Time Off and Paid Federal Holidays
• Great internal professional development and career growth opportunities
  • Check out the career pathways we offer! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ikK7X5J6kG2EKHqcu4WpNu_oIpVmeBwh/view 
    
• $17.50-$19 per hour for individuals with 0-2 years of experience (Paraprofessionals)
• $19-$22 for individuals with over 2 years of experience (Behavior Specialists)

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class require: stooping, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.

Light Work:  

Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. 

Working Conditions:  

Work is routinely performed in an indoor and outdoor classroom setting.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Arizona Autism Charter Schools, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Arizona Autism Charter Schools, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students.