Part Time Transportation Behavioral Support Staff (School Setting, Tempe)

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.

Position Overview

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students needs Transportation Behavioral Support Technicians to provide active behavioral support on our 15-passenger vans. You are essential to safe transportation—your primary job is to manage student behavior so drivers can focus on the road. This is not a passive supervision role. You will handle de-escalation, behavioral management, and physical intervention (when trained and necessary) following Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) practices.

Our students have significant behavioral and emotional needs. Your patience, calm presence, ability to practice rational detachment, and understanding that behavior is communication will make the difference between a safe trip and a crisis.

Primary Responsibilities

Behavioral Support & De-escalation

• Provide active behavioral support to students with developmental, behavioral, and emotional disabilities during transportation.

• Use verbal de-escalation strategies and CPI techniques as your primary tools; recognize triggers and intervene early to prevent escalation.

• Understand that student behavior is communication, not personal disrespect.

• Use safe physical intervention only as a last resort, following CPI protocols and company policy. Document all incidents.

• Maintain continuous supervision; ensure students remain seated with seatbelts/harnesses secured.

Support for Driver & Safety

• Act as the driver's behavioral support partner—communicate clearly about behavior, safety concerns, and incidents.

• Assist with student loading/unloading and vehicle safety checks.

• Respond appropriately to medical needs, injuries, or emergencies; provide first aid as trained.

• Report all incidents, injuries, and behavioral events to the Transportation Coordinator per policy.

• Assist with maintaining the interior cleanliness of the vehicle as needed (e.g., wiping seats, removing debris).

Communication & Professionalism

• Maintain professional communication with students, parents, drivers, and staff, even during behavioral challenges.

• Complete required documentation (incident reports, behavior notes) promptly and accurately.

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all student information.

Required Qualifications

Education & Certification

• High School Diploma or GED required.

• CPI certification required (or obtain within 60 days of hire at no cost).

• CPR and First Aid certification required prior to start (employer covers training and cost).

• Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card or willingness to complete employer-paid application.

Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with students with developmental, behavioral, and emotional disabilities.
• Strong de-escalation and communication skills; ability to remain calm during behavioral incidents.
• Genuine patience and ability to practice rational detachment.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Experience with children or behavioral support preferred but not required; we provide training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely manage and support students of various sizes.
• Must be able to lift at least 70 pounds from standing position.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, kneel, and navigate van environments as needed.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Successful background check and OIG monitoring clearance.
• Pre-employment drug screening and agreement to random testing.
• Professional reference checks.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay for paraprofessional transportation roles
• Health and wellness benefits
• CPI training and professional development at no cost
• Supportive team environment focused on student success
• Meaningful work with students who need your support

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

#IND3

Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!