PT CARE Program Specialist- K-5th Grade -2026/2027 SY

About LEAP

LEAP Academy University Charter School is a public charter school serving students from infancy through 12th grade in Camden, New Jersey. LEAP provides a rigorous, college-preparatory education with a strong focus on STEM/STEAM and is committed to preparing students for success in college, careers, and life. Through its unique partnership with Rutgers University Camden, LEAP offers innovative academic programs and comprehensive support services that empower students, families, and staff.

To learn more, visit www.leapacademycharter.org.

Job Description

LEAP Academy University Charter School seeks a compassionate, patient, and skilled CARE Program Specialist to support students receiving services through the school's CARE program in collaboration with the Child Study Team (CST) and related service providers. CARE Program Cultivating a Responsive Environment (CARE) Program provides academic continuity to students to continue their studies and catch up on missed work while in suspension, minimizing disruption to their learning progress. Serves as an opportunity for students to practice the SEL, EF (Executive Function) skills through planned academic and social emotional programs. 

The CARE Program Specialist will primarily work with elementary students who demonstrate behavioral, social-emotional, self-regulation, and other support needs, including students referred to I&RS, students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and other individualized support plans. The specialist will implement strategies developed by the CST, I&RS teams to promote student safety and engagement and help students access instruction in the least restrictive and most appropriate educational environment.

Candidates with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certification, Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification, or completed RBT training hours are strongly preferred. 

Job Type/Status: Part-Time, 29 hours per week

Salary Range: $25/hr

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required, associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Experience working with children or adolescents in a school, behavioral health, special education, childcare, or related setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students who have behavioral, social-emotional, communication, or self-regulation needs.
• Strong communication, observation, organization, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with CST members, administrators, and other school personnel.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow individualized student support plans.
• Ability to respond calmly and professionally to challenging behavior and follow established safety procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) certificate or relevant coursework in behavior analysis.
• Completed RBT training hours or documented progress toward RBT certification.
• Experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans, conducting ABC data collection, or using positive reinforcement systems.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities, autism, emotional regulation needs, or challenging behaviors.
• Training or experience in crisis prevention, de-escalation, and safe behavioral support practices.
• Experience working with elementary-aged students in inclusive classrooms or special education settings.

Duties & Responsibilities

Behavioral Intervention and Student Support

• Implement individualized behavior support strategies and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) under the direction of the CST and other designated professionals.
• Provide direct behavioral support to students who receive CARE program services, with a primary focus on Grades K�5.
• Support students in developing self-regulation, emotional awareness, coping skills, communication, social interaction, and problem-solving strategies.
• Use proactive, positive, and evidence-informed behavioral strategies to prevent escalation and support appropriate student behavior.
• Assist students in transitioning between classrooms, activities, settings, and routines.
• Reinforce replacement behaviors, appropriate communication, positive peer interactions, and classroom participation.
• Support students in remaining engaged in instruction and accessing the general education curriculum to the greatest extent appropriate.
• Follow established safety, de-escalation, and crisis-response procedures and seek assistance when needed.

Implementation of CARE Program Services

• Collaborate with the CST case manager and the BCBA to implement individualized supports for students receiving CARE program services.
• Provide in-class, small-group, individual, or transition support as assigned and consistent with student plans.
• Assist with the implementation of structured routines, visual schedules, reinforcement systems, social-emotional learning strategies, and other approved interventions.
• Support the consistent implementation of student behavior plans across assigned settings.
• Help students generalize learned behavioral and social-emotional skills across classrooms and school environments.
• Maintain student dignity, confidentiality, and access to educational opportunities while providing support.

Data Collection and Documentation

• Collect objective and timely behavioral data as directed, including frequency, duration, antecedent-behavior-consequence (ABC) information, and student response to interventions, when applicable.
• Document implementation of assigned interventions, student progress, behavioral incidents, and relevant observations using school-approved forms and systems.
• Share data and observations with the CST and designated supervisors to inform progress monitoring and intervention adjustments.
• Maintain accurate service logs and documentation in accordance with school procedures.
• Report significant changes in student behavior, emerging concerns, and safety incidents promptly to the appropriate staff.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively with school psychologists, social workers, learning disabilities teacher-consultants (LDTCs), teachers, related service providers, administrators, and other designated personnel.
• Participate in CST consultations, CARE program meetings, staff check-ins, and student support planning meetings as assigned.
• Communicate professionally with school staff regarding student needs, intervention implementation, and progress.
• Support communication with families only as authorized and in accordance with school procedures as directed.
• Follow the direction of the Director of Special Services,  BCBA, and/or the case manager and seek clarification when student plans or safety procedures are unclear.

Student Safety and Professional Responsibilities

• Follow school policies, student IEPs and BIPs, confidentiality requirements, mandated reporting obligations, and established crisis-response protocols.
• Use respectful, developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices.
• Maintain professional boundaries and protect the privacy of student records and sensitive information.
• Complete required school training related to behavior support, student safety, de-escalation, and emergency procedures.
• Perform other related duties consistent with the position and the needs of the CARE program.

Terms of Employment

2026/2027 10-month contracted position