Young Adult Special Education and Behavior Teacher

We are seeking a steady, experienced educator with a strong behavior background to work one-on-one with an autistic young adult in his home and community. The role combines individualized instruction, life and community skills, and behavior support. It suits someone who has supported young adults with significant needs and who brings a calm, consistent presence.

This young man has been underestimated by traditional educational settings. His family is looking for someone who sees his potential, shows up consistently, and builds a program centered on dignity, communication, independence, and safety. The role offers real autonomy and close support from Thrive’s behavior and educational management team. It is also a long-term position that grows as the student moves into adulthood.

Student Profile

The student is a young adult who is autistic and non-conversational. He communicates with short phrases, gestures, and an AAC device, and he understands far more than he can express. He also has epilepsy, and changes in his health and medication can affect his regulation. He is social, perceptive, and funny. He does best with active, experiential learning tied to real life rather than desk-based work.

He has significant behavioral support needs, including a history of physical aggression such as biting. Behavior is most likely during changes in routine, illness, or medication. With consistency, structure, and a trusted adult, he has strong days. Before the educator works independently, a current behavior plan and a safety plan will be in place, and Thrive will provide training on both.

Role & Support

• A defined daily block for instruction in communication, functional literacy, and math, with the remaining time focused on daily living, leisure, and community skills
• A written safety plan and a designated family contact available during every session
• Onboarding in the home with a Thrive BCBA, followed by weekly check-ins for the first two months
• Ongoing collaboration with Thrive’s Educational Manager
• Growth & Long-Term Opportunity

This role is designed to grow over time. The student is in his final year of traditional school, and his program will likely look different after graduation. The family is considering options, including a transition program, and wants the educator’s input in shaping what comes next. That may include helping choose and support a transition program, community-based learning, vocational exploration, and a weekly schedule built around his goals.

As the program grows, the family plans to add support and care providers. The educator will be positioned to lead that team: setting the program direction, training and coaching staff, and making sure every adult who works with the student follows the same plan. For someone interested in program leadership, this is an opportunity to build and run a comprehensive, individualized program from the ground up.

Schedule & Work Environment

Location: Greater Rochester, NY area

Schedule: Approximately 4–5 days per week, primarily afternoons and early evenings during the current school year, with some school breaks and weekend hours. The schedule is expected to change after the student graduates, based on his program and needs.

Start Date: As soon as possible

Setting: Primarily in-home, with regular community-based learning and outings

Transportation: Driving and local travel are required. A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a safe driving record are required.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and deliver individualized instruction based on the student’s current skills, interests, and goals
• Connect academics and communication to everyday routines, community outings, and real-world experiences
• Implement the behavior and safety plans consistently and record daily behavior data
• Build predictable routines and adjust plans on higher-need days
• Communicate clearly and regularly with the family
• Collaborate with Thrive’s Educational Manager on goals, progress, and program adjustments

Requirements

• Required
• Bachelor’s degree in any field
• 5+ years of professional experience supporting individuals with disabilities and significant support needs
• Hands-on experience supporting adolescents or adults with challenging behavior, including physical aggression
• Current certification in a recognized crisis-intervention and safety program (CPI, QBS, PCM, Safety-Care, or equivalent)
• Experience supporting students with autism and significant communication needs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a safe driving record (a motor vehicle record check will be completed)
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Especially Valuable
• BCBA or RBT certification
• Degree in Special Education or a related field
• State teaching certification
• Experience with young adult transition programming, functional academics, or life skills instruction
• Experience supervising, training, or coaching paraprofessionals, RBTs, or direct care staff
• AAC experience or training
• Experience developing or adapting individualized curriculum
• Experience working within a family’s home

Logistics

Location: Greater Rochester, NY area; primarily in-home, with regular community-based learning and outings

Schedule: Approximately 4–5 days per week, primarily afternoons and early evenings during the current school year, with some school breaks and weekend hours. The schedule is expected to change after the student graduates, based on his program and needs.

• Commitment: Long-term, with consistent weekly availability
• Transportation: Driving and local travel are required
• Start Date: As soon as possible

Support

• A behavior plan and a written safety plan in place before the educator works independently
• A designated family contact available during every session
• In-person onboarding in the home with Thrive’s Educational Manager
• Ongoing support from Thrive’s Educational Manager on goals, progress, and program design
• Collaboration with the student’s other service providers so everyone works from the same plan
• Personalized matching: Thrive vets families thoroughly before introductions
• A dedicated placement coordinator throughout the hiring process
• Access to Thrive’s educator network and resources

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to build a program around one young man and see the impact of your work over time. You’ll have the autonomy to design how he learns, communicates, and spends his days, plus a dedicated behavior and educational management team behind you.

For an educator with a strong behavior background who wants work that goes deeper than a caseload allows, this role offers a long-term relationship with a student and family. It also offers a clear path to leading a program as he moves into adulthood.

About Us

Thrive Education Partners connects exceptional educators with families seeking highly personalized learning experiences. We believe meaningful growth happens through strong relationships, individualized support, and real-world learning. This role offers the opportunity to help a young adult build greater independence, confidence, life skills, and community engagement through a customized educational program.