Behavior Specialist

Behavior Specialist

• Syracuse
• Allied Health
• Full-time
• Opening on:
  Oct 21 2025
• 3CP-Biobehavioral Health Unit
• State of New York
• TH Instructional Support Assistant, NSSL1
• 87126
• UUP (State University Professional Services Unit)

This is the first facility of its kind in New York State and will provide inpatient psychiatric care for children and teens with multiple challenges as part of the Golisano Center for Special Needs. To ensure that our patients receive the care they need we are looking for new Bio Behavioral Specialists to join our team. Can you help us? Here’s what you’ll do under the clinical direction of a licensed Behavioral Health Provider :

• Be part of the direct care staff in implementing the Applied Behavior Analysis treatment and provide input to the provider noting changes in behaviors and progress
• Do health data collection during observations of behaviors and wellness checks, sleep hygiene encounters, general program education, and patient safety and risk monitoring
• Use your clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills to train other staff on plans and protocols and ensure a safe transition of care from one person to the next
• Assists in the development of specific behavioral treatment interventions such as coping skills, anger management, and other self-regulating behavior activities
• Respond appropriately to emergencies that may include fighting
• Demonstrate your commitment to care for an underserved population as this requires a unique level of compassion for both patients and families including the ability to communicate with cultural awareness

How can you become a Behavioral Specialist at SUNY Upstate? It’s easy!

You can qualify for this important role if you have an associate's degree (or higher) in Psychology, Education, or a related field and two years of related direct patient care experience

In return for your dedication and commitment to provide outstanding care you’ll receive:

• Generous paid time Off program that includes vacation, holidays, and sick days
• choice of several outstanding health insurance benefits
• Well-being plans that include Adoption Assistance, Student Loan Relief Services, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program
• A New York State Pension, (Yes! An actual pension!) a 403(b) plan with matching, and other retirement savings plans

Associate degree (or higher) in Psychology, Education, or a related field (required by time of appointment) and two years of applied behavioral or healthcare experience required. Ability to physically manage patients required. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, and behavioral data collection software (e.g., BDataPro) required.

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education, or a related field preferred. Experience with individuals with developmental delays and/or applied behavior analysis preferred. Prior experience working as a Mental Health Therapy Aide (MHTA) at the BBHU preferred. Enrollment in a master's program for applied behavior analysis preferred.

Evenings and Weekends*

* Reposted for shift change due to business needs. 10/28/25

Please apply today and help us to help the people of Central New York, and thank you! There are positions available at the Golisano Center for Special Needs & in the Biobehavioral Health Unit.

Recruitment Office:
Human Resources