Behavior Specialist YA

BEHAVIOR SPECIALIST

Yellowstone Academy
Billings, Montana
Full-Time | Year-Round Position
Start Date: Available Immediately

ABOUT YELLOWSTONE ACADEMY

Yellowstone Academy (YA) provides a supportive, structured, and student-centered learning environment focused on academic growth, career readiness, and character development. YA serves both a residential population of students from throughout the United States and a day school population from surrounding Montana school districts.

We are committed to helping students develop the skills necessary for success in school, career, and life. Our team emphasizes consistency, structure, emotional support, and meaningful relationships to promote student growth and achievement.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Yellowstone Academy is seeking a dedicated Behavior Specialist to support students in a structured, relationship-based educational environment.

This position plays a critical role in supporting student behavior, reinforcing positive interventions, and helping students develop emotional regulation and social skills. Behavior Specialists work closely with teachers and multidisciplinary staff to ensure students receive consistent behavioral support throughout the school day.

Classes are intentionally small (up to 10 students), allowing for individualized attention and strong relationship-building. Staff work collaboratively across academic, residential, and clinical teams to support student success.

This is a year-round position, providing consistent employment and opportunities to support students during both the traditional school year and summer programming.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement and support behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
• Provide direct behavioral support to students in classroom settings
• Assist students with emotional regulation and coping strategies
• Reinforce positive behavior strategies and expectations
• Support crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed
• Collaborate with teachers, clinical staff, and residential teams
• Monitor and document student behavior and progress
• Support a safe, structured, and consistent learning environment
• Assist with supervision during transitions, breaks, and activities
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Starting Pay: $18.25/hour (DOE)
• Health and benefits package (for eligible employees)
• Participation in applicable retirement programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Stable, year-round employment

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit:

• Resume

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

For questions about this position, please contact:

Keith Tresch
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 406-651-2962

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Please visit the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch website to learn more about our facility:
https://www.ybgr.org/

Yellowstone Academy offers regular education, special education, vocational education, Title programs, and 504 services. YA operates year-round with a traditional school year and a summer school program. Students who complete high school graduation requirements may graduate at the completion of a semester.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to work with students with behavioral and emotional needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain structure, consistency, and professionalism

Preferred:
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or related field
• Experience working in a school, residential, or behavioral support setting
• Experience with behavior intervention plans and de-escalation strategies
• Familiarity with trauma-informed or relationship-based approaches

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Patience, consistency, and emotional awareness
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations
• Team collaboration and communication
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Commitment to student growth and success