Behavior Support Specialist

FAMILY SERVICES OF NW PA

Behavior Support Specialist (BSS)

Penncrest | Crawford County, PA | Full-Time

$16.75 per hour |* *$2,000 sign-on bonus*

*Sign-on bonus is paid as follows: $500 at 90 days, $500 at 180 days, and $1,000 at one year.

BENEFITS: $2,000 Sign-On Bonus | 401(k) Match Up to 7.5% | Zero-Cost Medical Options | Employer-Paid Life & Disability | Dental & Vision | Employee Assistance Program | Additional Voluntary Benefits Available | Summers Off (unpaid)

SCHOOL-YEAR SCHEDULE WITH YEAR-ROUND BENEFITS:

The BSS position follows the school calendar, with 187 scheduled workdays throughout the academic year. Employees are paid for the days worked during the school year; summers are unpaid. Benefits remain active year-round, including during school breaks and the summer months.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Behavior Support Specialist (BSS) provides direct behavioral and educational support to students in a school setting. Working collaboratively with teachers, school staff, and families, the BSS helps students develop positive behaviors, manage challenges, and succeed in the classroom. The BSS follows prescribed treatment plans, provides support during behavioral or crisis situations, and helps create a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive.

AS A BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SPECIALIST, YOU WILL:

• Work approximately 180 days following the school calendar, with summers off, plus up to 7 additional training days.
• Support students in Emotional Support (ES), regular education classrooms, and throughout the building as needed.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations, including violence and physical aggression, using de-escalation strategies such as Ukeru.
• Support school-wide behavioral and academic programs, including Zones of Regulation, and intervene with students as recommended by the Emotional Support Teacher, School Psychologist, and/or Principal.
• Participate in bi-weekly supervision with a Family Services supervisor and complete required training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in a social services field required.
• Experience working in a classroom preferred.

WHAT MAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY DIFFERENT?

• Work 187 days aligned with the school calendar, with summers off
• Year-round benefits, including during school breaks and summer
• Meaningful, student-focused work where you can see the impact of your support every day
• Collaborative environment working alongside teachers, school staff, and Family Services professionals
• Hands-on opportunities to build skills in behavioral support, de-escalation, and crisis intervention
• Ongoing supervision, training, and opportunities for professional growth
• The opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families

Turn every school day into an opportunity to make a lasting difference in a student’s life.

Join Family Services of NW PA and become part of a team committed to helping children, youth, and families thrive.

ABOUT FAMILY SERVICES OF NW PA:

Family Services of NW PA (FSNWPA) is a non-profit social service agency with a mission to Strengthen Families and Transform Lives. We provide a comprehensive continuum of care and high-quality, innovative programs and services to children and families across Northwest Pennsylvania. Services are available in Erie, Crawford, and Mercer Counties in Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.FSNWPA.org.

EXPLORE CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES: https://www.fsnwpa.org/careers

Family Services of NW PA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other characteristics protected by applicable law. If you need assistance with our online application due to an impairment or disability, call 814-866-4530.

FAMILY SERVICES OF NW PA | FSNWPA.ORG