Behavior Specialist

• Syracuse

• Allied Health

• Full-time

• Opening on: Aug 20 2026

• 3CP-Biobehavioral Health Unit

• State of New York

• TH Staff Assistant 1, NSSL2

• 90938

• UUP (State University Professional Services Unit)

Add to favorites

Job Summary:

This is the first facility of its kind in New York State and will provide inpatient care for children and teens with multiple challenges as part of the Golisano Center for Special Needs. To ensure that our patients receive the care they need we are looking for Behavioral Specialists to join our team. Can you help us? Here’s what you’ll do under the clinical direction of a licensed Behavioral Health Provider :

• Be part of the direct care staff in implementing the Applied Behavior Analysis treatment and provide input to the provider noting changes in behaviors and progress
• Do health data collection during observations of behaviors and wellness checks, sleep hygiene encounters, general program education, and patient safety and risk monitoring
• Use your clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills to train other staff on plans and protocols and ensure a safe transition of care from one person to the next
• Assists in the development of specific behavioral treatment interventions such as differential reinforcement, functional communication training, delay tolerance, and general coping strategies
• Respond appropriately to behavioral emergencies that include aggressive and self-injurious behaviors
• Demonstrate your commitment to care for an underserved population as this requires a unique level of compassion for both patients and families including the ability to communicate with cultural awareness

How can you become a Behavioral Specialist at SUNY Upstate? It’s easy!

You can qualify for this important role if you have an Associate's degree in Psychology, Education or a related field with three years of related applied behavior or healthcare experience or Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education or a related field with one year of related applied behavior or healthcare experience.

In return for your dedication and commitment to provide outstanding care you’ll receive:

• Generous paid time Off program that includes vacation, holidays, and sick days
• choice of several outstanding health insurance benefits
• Well-being plans that include Adoption Assistance, Student Loan Relief Services, Tuition Reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program
• A New York State Pension, (Yes! An actual pension!) a 403(b) plan with matching, and other retirement savings plans

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate's degree in Psychology, Education or a related field with three years of related applied behavior or healthcare experience or Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education or a related field with one year of related applied behavior or healthcare experience. Ability to physically manage patients is required. Experience with Windows, Microsoft Office, Excel, Outlook, and behavioral data collection software (e.g., BDataPro) required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Education, or a related field preferred. Experience with individuals with developmental delays and/or applied behavior analysis preferred. Prior experience working as a Mental Health Therapy Aide (MHTA) or Behavior Technician at the BBHU or GCSN preferred. Enrollment in a master's program for applied behavior analysis preferred.

Work Days:

Schedule based on a 40-hour work week. Evening shift, every other weekend and holidays

Message to Applicants:

Salary: $59,000 - $73,000 Depending on experience

Recruitment Office: Human Resources

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability or other protected classes under State and Federal law.