Behavior Specialist - School Based

Your experience in behavioral support transfers directly into special education classrooms.
Whether youve worked as a Behavior Technician, Behavioral Specialist, Behaviour Therapist, or Behavior Interventionist, the skills you use every day are exactly what SPED classrooms need. Building rapport, supporting individuals with complex needs, implementing behavior intervention plans, de-escalating challenging situations, and applying therapeutic or behavioral strategies are all highly transferable to school settings.
These paraprofessional roles in SPED Classrooms are a natural next step if you want to continue making a real impact, with predictable school-day hours, a structured environment, weekly pay, and W-2 employment. Youll support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs, while using the experience youve already built in a new and meaningful setting.
If youre passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a role where your skills can make a daily difference, this could be your next step.
We are actively recruiting right now for the upcoming school year starting in August 2026!
Joining our team early is a great way to complete your onboarding, showcase your skills, and secure your position before the fall rush. We are looking for paraprofessionals and classroom aides to support special education students. Nows your chance to get set up for success and be ready to create strong bonds and make a lasting impact the moment doors open this August.

???? About Zen Educate
Zen Educate is tackling the educator shortage by helping schools connect with passionate teaching assistants and paraprofessionals. Were proud to support both schools and staff by creating smart, fast matches that benefit students and communities alike.

As a Behavior Specialist in a school setting, you will play a crucial role in supporting students with special needs by assisting the classroom teacher. Your focus will be on implementing behavior management plans, redirecting challenging behaviors, facilitating social interactions, and providing one-on-one or small group assistance to help students meet their IEP goals within a structured learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Respond to and Manage Aggressive Behaviors: Safely manage and de-escalate aggressive outbursts. Implement physical and verbal de-escalation techniques as trained.
• Implement Intensive Behavior Intervention (IBI): Administer one-to-one IBI programs in both school and home settings, specifically designed to address and reduce aggressive behaviors.
• Data Collection: Accurately collect and record behavioral charting data and anecdotal notes, with a focus on documenting triggers, antecedents, and consequences of aggressive episodes.
• Provide Instructional Support: Assist a teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups, using positive reinforcement and redirection to help students engage in learning activities.
• Ensure Safety: Immediately report and respond to any aggressive behavior that threatens the safety of the student or others. Assure the health and safety of all individuals by following established protocols.
• Personal Care: Assist students with personal hygiene needs, which may include managing behaviors during activities like toileting or feeding.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma
• ABA training or at least 1 year of behavior tech/interventionist experience or RBT certification
• Experience with elopement, nonverbal and/or aggressive behaviors
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to stay calm and patient in challenging situations
• English proficiency
• U.S. work authorization (Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time)
• Candidates must be 18 years or older to apply

Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable being on your feet and moving around the classroom throughout the day
• Able to lift up to 20 lbs and safely assist students when needed (kneeling, bending, quick response)
• Additional physical requirements may be requested during your application process

Preferred Qualifications:

• 48 college credits
• Training in CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) or Pro-Act (Professional Assault Crisis Training) is highly desirable
• Two years of experience working with children, preferably in a setting with students who have significant behavioral challenges.
• CPR and First Aid

Salary
Pay: $22 - $24 per hour
Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work).
25-30 hours per week for full time roles

Benefits:

• Weekly pay
• Paid Sick Leave
• 401K (certain eligibility criteria)

-Join our training sessions and professional development opportunities to stay updated on the latest in special education and behavioral support."

Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make.

Ref: #OCHCZA-Aug26