Intervention Specialist (Brooklyn)

For over 30 years, Gersh Autism has empowered students on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential. Serving individuals aged 5-21 across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, our network of K-12 schools provides personalized education tailored to each student’s unique learning style. We offer comprehensive therapeutic services—speech, physical, occupational therapy, and more—along with vocational training for older students. Our dedicated team collaborates with families to ensure academic, social, and emotional growth, preparing students for success beyond the classroom.At Gersh Autism, we are committed to helping individuals on the autism spectrum lead fulfilling, independent lives.*Please note, this is a year-round school program. We are currently seeking a full-time Intervention Specialist to join our team at our Brooklyn, NY campus. This role is an integral part of our Intervention team and is focused on supporting the behavioral, emotional, and academic needs of our students. The ideal candidate is proactive, compassionate, and collaborative, with a strong commitment to helping students succeed in a specialized learning environment.Intervention Specialist Responsibilities:Observe, manage, evaluate, and document all aspects of student behavioral issues and crisis interventions. This includes the effectiveness and efficiency of all intervention strategies and verbal and physical techniques employed.Assess and maintain a functional environment for the intervention that preserves the dignity of the student in crisis and protects the safety of everyone involvedEnsure that throughout every phase of the intervention we are always providing the highest level of Care, Welfare, Safety, and SecurityCrisis Prevention:Observe and interact with all students in various academic and classroom settings to build rapport with them and gain an understanding of what their deficits and behaviors areMeet with classroom staff and service providers to discuss proactive strategies for managing and preventing outbursts and/or challenging behaviorsObserve staff interactions with the students and debrief with them on rapport building, behavior management, and crisis preventionCrisis Intervention:Utilize intervention techniques such as Collaborative & Proactive Solutions and Non-Violent Physical Crisis Intervention to deescalate students who are acting out verbally and/or physically and have become a danger to themselves or othersEnsure that all students are treated with the highest level of Care, Welfare, Safety, and SecurityTeamwork Excellence Attitude Courage HeartIntervention Specialist Data Collection and Analysis:Collect and review completed Intervention Worksheets dailyAttend team meetings as requestedRequirements:Must possess excellent writing and organizational skills.Bachelor’s Degree preferredCertification in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention preferredPrevious experience with crisis intervention with school age students requiredRequires strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with all levels of Management.Ability to work well under pressure and to prioritize tasks are essentialStrong Interpersonal skillsDetailed oriented individualMaintain confidentialityEffectively manages student crisis with dignity and respectAnticipate and meet deadlines, complete assignments with consistent accuracyProficiency in Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook)Intervention Specialist Working conditions:Must be able to multi-task and work in high pressure environmentPhysical requirements:Must be able to keep students safe from themselves and others and, in some cases, may need to implement CPI (therapeutic holds) procedures. Must be able to remove oneself from potentially harmful situations and, in some cases, be able to lift a child. Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the workdayAbility to lift (at least 50-65 pounds), assist, and/or physically support students, which may include lifting or guiding students of varying sizesAbility to physically intervene when required to ensure safety (per CPI training)Ability to remove oneself and/or others from unsafe situations quicklyAbility to maintain attention and focus in a dynamic, high-stimulation environmentAbility to multi-task and shift priorities quicklyAbility to exercise sound judgment and decision-making, particularly in high-pressure or safety-sensitive situationsAbility to work effectively as part of a team and maintain professional relationshipsAbility to perform duties under stress, including during behavioral escalationsSchedule8:00AM-3:30PM (and once a week until 4PM for a team meeting)Benefits for Full Time EmployeesGersh Autism offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment committed to your personal and professional growth. Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)Retirement Plan (401k matching)Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)Short-Term & Long-Term DisabilityTraining & Development