Behavior Therapy Assistant

Role overview

San Bruno Park School District is hiring a part-time Behavior Therapy Assistant to support students across special education and general education settings. The role sits under the guidance of the Behavior Therapist and involves helping with instruction, supervision, and behavior support for individual students and small groups. Depending on student needs, the assignment may shift during the school day or across the school year.

The district serves a linguistically and culturally varied student community in San Bruno, California, and operates a preschool through grade 8 system with four elementary schools and one middle school. The district notes strong community support, recent facilities investment, stable finances, and a districtwide compensation increase approved for educators.

What the position involves

The assistant will help implement behavior and instructional plans, support classroom routines, encourage positive peer interaction, and assist with other student support tasks assigned by the district. Work is primarily on school sites, but participation in field trips and other class activities may also be required. Because some students may display physical behaviors, evasion and physical intervention can be part of the job.

Key duties

• Carry out student behavior supports using approved methods such as Applied Behavior Analysis, Integrated Play Groups, Picture Exchange Communication Systems, or other district-selected approaches.
• Put into practice instructional and behavior plans created by the Behavior Specialist, Mental Health Specialist, and IEP team, including support for academics, social-emotional growth, compliance, attention, and toileting.
• Assist the Behavior Specialist by modeling strategies, offering guidance, and consulting with teachers, support staff, and parents.
• Record and track student data as directed.
• Observe and measure progress toward each student’s goals and objectives.
• Support play, peer engagement, and social interaction.
• Take part in regular planning meetings to align therapy goals with the broader educational plan.
• Attend district-provided and district-requested training sessions.
• Fill in for paraprofessionals when requested.

Knowledge, skills, and work style expected

The district expects familiarity with, or a willingness to learn, behavior support approaches, crisis prevention communication, physical holds/restraints where appropriate, health and safety practices, record keeping, English grammar and vocabulary, and district procedures. Success in the role also depends on teamwork, independence, confidentiality, punctuality, flexibility, strong follow-through, and the ability to learn new routines and behavior-management strategies quickly.

Education and experience

A bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Education, Social Work, or a closely related field is required. Preference is given to applicants with a background in Psychology, Education, Educational Psychology, or Behavioral Psychology. Candidates should also have classroom experience working with people with disabilities, including autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and/or behavior challenges, or have completed some psychology or child development coursework.

Schedule, work year, and pay

This is a part-time, onsite position. The regular assignment is 5 days per week and 6.5 hours per day, including a 30-minute unpaid duty-free lunch. Exact start and end times can vary by site. The work year is listed as 185 days / regular school year. Pay is on the Classified Salary Schedule, Range 1, at $31.55 to $40.28 per hour. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage prorated to hours worked.

Application notes and other information

Applications must be submitted online, and only candidates who meet the minimum education and experience requirements will be considered for an interview. The posting remains open until filled. Contact for the posting is Lilian Guzman.

The district states that it does not unlawfully discriminate or tolerate harassment based on sex, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, or medical condition. Questions about the non-discrimination policy may be directed to Classified Human Resources at 500 Acacia Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066, or by phone at 650-624-3102.

Informational note: not all retirement-related postings qualify for CalPERS benefits.