Behavior Support Specialist - LaGrange School Program

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has empowered individuals with developmental disabilities to live vibrant, independent lives. Our services span early education to adulthood, including preschool, school programs, residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services.

We celebrate people of every background, identity, and ability, creating an inclusive world. As an equal‑opportunity employer, we welcome and support individuals of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio‑economic status, gender, and gender identities.

We are looking for a patient, energetic, and passionate Behavior Support Specialist for our LaGrange School program in Poughkeepsie, NY. This role collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to provide behavioral support in the classroom, fostering independence through age‑appropriate, functional means.

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year, including a 6‑week summer program)

$17.82 – $19.82 per hour

• Collect data as part of a functional behavior analysis.
• Monitor behavior and adjust strategies and interventions accordingly.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers on appropriate use of positive reinforcements.
• Manage challenging behaviors using research‑based practices.
• Follow the classroom schedule, ensuring individual student IEP behavioral goals are achieved.
• Assist with individual and group activities.
• Attend staff meetings and job‑skill training.
• Participate in therapy sessions to support behavior management and classroom carryover.
• Organize the classroom as part of the student’s therapeutic behavior plan.
• Escort students to and from school buses, promoting mobility and independence.
• Attend special classes (PE, art, music, etc.).
• Assist with dressing and undressing to foster independence.
• Support toileting, providing appropriate adaptive equipment.
• Change clothing when wet or soiled and change diapers or sanitary napkins as needed.
• Set up computers, communication devices, and related adaptive equipment.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, performing responsibilities with honesty, integrity, and respect.
• Follow all agency policies and procedures, maintaining personal safety and the safety of others.
• other job‑related activities as requested by supervisors or as circumstances warrant.

• Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holiday leave built around the school calendar.
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Plan for the Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer‑paid life insurance.
• Level Up Your Skills – Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support.
• Get Paid When You Need It – On‑Demand Pay gives access to earnings as early as the next day.
• Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more.

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• A combination of education and experience that meets the needs of the school program.
• Ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, pivot, and grasp with both hands, as required for CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques.