Help us understand the "why" behind behavior—and help children discover the "what's next.”
At Helping Hands School, we know behavior is communication.
As the needs of our students continue to change, we're expanding our team by adding a Behavior Specialist who wants to work alongside teachers, therapists, families, to improve outcomes for our preschool population.
We’re looking for someone who enjoys collaborating with educators to understand why behaviors occur, identify the skills children are missing, and create practical, individualized strategies that help children participate successfully in school.
If you're passionate about solving problems, coaching adults, and making classrooms work better for everyone, we'd love to meet you.
What Makes This Position Different?
You'll influence an entire school.
Your work will extend beyond writing behavior plans. You'll partner with teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, social workers, and families to build supportive learning environments where children can thrive.
We focus on understanding behavior—not simply reducing it.
Our goal is to identify the function of behavior, teach meaningful replacement skills, and create sustainable supports that increase communication, independence, emotional regulation, and successful participation in the classroom.
You'll coach, mentor, and build capacity.
Some of your most important work won't happen directly with children. You'll model strategies, coach teachers and teaching assistants, assist with classroom systems, analyze data, and help staff become more confident and effective in supporting challenging behaviors.
Collaboration is how we operate.
Our classrooms function through a transdisciplinary model where teachers, therapists, support staff, and administrators work together every day. We value respectful discussion, shared problem solving, and everyone's expertise.
Your Role
You'll help us:
- Conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
- Develop practical, classroom-friendly Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
- Develop 1:1 aide plans
- Analyze behavioral data and student progress
- Coach teachers and paraprofessionals through modeling and feedback
- Support crisis prevention and proactive classroom management
- Identify environmental and instructional factors contributing to behavior
- Develop replacement skills that promote independence and communication
- Participate as an active member of educational teams
- Collaborate with families to ensure consistency between home and school
Who Thrives Here?
Someone who...
- Loves working with young children.
- Enjoys teaching adults as much as teaching children.
- Values collaboration over compliance.
- Looks for the reason behind behavior before recommending interventions.
- Understands child development, trauma-informed practice, sensory regulation, communication, and educational programming.
- Wants to be part of a mission-driven nonprofit where relationships matter.
Why Helping Hands?
We know you have choices.
Behavior specialists come from many professional backgrounds—special education, school psychology, behavior analysis, counseling, and related fields. Whatever your path, if you're passionate about helping children succeed, we'd love to meet you.
We are an educational program first. Your expertise will help children become more successful in the classroom, strengthen teacher confidence, and create positive, supportive learning environments where everyone can thrive.
Success isn't measured by productivity or paperwork.
It's measured by the child who can finally join circle time.
The teacher who now has the tools to prevent a meltdown.
The family who sees their child communicating instead of struggling.
Those are the victories that matter here.
What We Offer
- Predictable school-year schedule
- Competitive salary and benefits, including health insurance, dental, vision, 401K and profit-sharing plan
- Paid school breaks and holidays
- Collaborative transdisciplinary team
- Professional autonomy and administrative support
- Opportunities to shape a growing behavioral support program
- A mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to helping preschool children succeed
We'd Love to Meet You
Finding the right fit is important—for both of us.
Come visit Helping Hands.
Meet our staff.
See our classrooms.
Experience our culture.
We think you'll quickly see why so many people choose to build their careers here.
The fine print: Applicants may include BCBAs, School Psychologists, Special Education Teachers, School Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, or other qualified professionals with expertise in behavioral assessment, consultation, and positive behavior supports. Certification required according to the degree held. Full time preferred, part-time will be considered.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
License/Certification:
- Professional icense or NYS certification according to degree (Required)
Work Location: In person
