Support Specialist
Behavioral Health Allies
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
Quick overview
Support Specialists provide proactive behavioral support and trauma-informed interventions to students while collaborating with clinical and instructional teams. They are responsible for maintaining a safe, structured environment, documenting incidents, and coaching staff on de-escalation techniques.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities. A valid driver's license and the ability to pass background and drug screenings are required.
Job description
Description About BHA Academy
- Behavioral Health Allies Academy provides structured, trauma-informed educational services for students with behavioral and emotional needs. Our team is committed to creating safe, supportive learning environments that foster emotional regulation, growth, and academic success. Through collaboration, compassion, and evidence-based behavioral support, we help students build meaningful skills and work toward successful reintegration into less restrictive school environments while staying grounded in our mission and core values.
- Sign-On
- Bonus: $1,000 total sign-on bonus -- $500 paid after 90 days of employment. Additional $500 paid after 180 days, based on continued employment in good standing
- Pay
- Rate: Our compensation is competitive within the market. The starting rate for this position begins at $20.65 per hour, with your final offer based on a combination of your education, relevant experience, and overall qualifications.
Position Summary
Behavioral Health Allies Academy (BHA Academy) is seeking compassionate and dependable Support Specialists to serve as proactive anchors of prevention, regulation, and relational safety for students in a trauma-informed educational setting. In this role, you will focus on early identification of dysregulation, relationship-building, and proactive intervention to reduce crisis frequency and support student success. Support Specialists work closely with teachers, behavioral clinicians, and leadership to implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies, reinforce behavioral supports, and maintain structured, safe learning environments that promote emotional regulation, skill development, and successful reintegration into less restrictive educational settings.
What You’ll Do
- Build strong, trusting relationships with students through consistent support and engagement.
- Recognize early signs of dysregulation and implement proactive de-escalation strategies.
- Provide direct behavioral and emotional support using trauma-informed and student-centered interventions.
- Implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and individualized support strategies with consistency and fidelity.
- Support students in strengthening coping skills, emotional regulation, and replacement behaviors.
- Maintain visible presence throughout classrooms and common spaces to promote safety and predictability.
- Reinforce classroom routines, expectations, and positive behavior systems.
- Coach and support paraprofessionals with proactive behavior management and de-escalation techniques.
- Collaborate with teachers, clinicians, and leadership to align behavioral supports and crisis management strategies.
- Document incidents, interventions, and student progress accurately and in a timely manner.
- Support restorative conversations and reintegration into learning spaces following behavioral challenges.
- Administer medications and complete required documentation as trained and assigned.
- Participate in team meetings, professional development, and ongoing training initiatives.
- Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and student dignity in every interaction.
What We’re Looking For
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- College coursework in education, psychology, behavioral science, criminal justice, or related field preferred
- Minimum one year of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and challenging behaviors preferred
- Crisis de-escalation training or certification (PCM, MANDT, CPI, or similar) preferred
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record if transporting students
- Ability to pass criminal background check and drug screening
- Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills
- Ability to remain calm, grounded, and professional during high-stress situations
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care, ABA principles, restorative approaches, and behavior intervention strategies
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to recognize behavioral triggers and intervene proactively
- Experience collecting and using behavioral data to guide support strategies
- Commitment to dignity, equity, and healing-centered engagement
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through BCBS (6 plan options; eligible after 60 days) 401(k), HSA, Flexible Spending Account, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability PTO and Sick Time begin accruing on Day 1 $100 monthly wellness spending account after 90 days OnDemand Pay (access earned wages when needed)
