PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Abraxas Youth & Family Services

Morgantown, PA

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JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$29–$32 Per Hour

JOB TYPE

Full-time

SKILLS

Application Programming Interface (API), Background Investigation, Basketball, Behavioral Intervention, CPR Certification, Cardiovascular, Career Development, Child and Youth Services, Coaching, Compensation and Benefits, Cost Control, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Exercise Science, First Aid, Fitness, Futures, Genetics, High School Diploma, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Mentoring, Military, Organizational Skills, Physical Education, Policy Implementation, Programming Methodologies, Psychology, Quality Metrics, Recreation, Regulations, Risk, Risk Analysis, Service Delivery, Soccer, Social Work, Sports Science, Staff Training, State Laws and Regulations, Structured Programming Methodologies, Team Lead/Manager, Time Management, Training/Teaching

LOCATION

Morgantown, PA

POSTED

15 days ago

Job Posting TitlePhysical Development SpecialistJob DescriptionPosition: Physical Development TherapistLocation: Abraxas Academy, 1000 Academy Dr., Morgantown, PA 19543Now hiring a Physical Development Specialist to join our team at Abraxas Academy in Morgantown, PA. Here, you will help at-risk adolescents BUILD BETTER FUTURES.Abraxas Academy is located minutes off of Exit 298 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Berks County and provides detention and treatment services for court committed youth.Salary: $29.00-$32.00 hourlyJob Type: Full-timeMust pass a drug test and both federal and state background checks!Position SummaryThe Physical Development Specialist implements the Regulation and Movement Program (RAMP), a targeted stabilization strategy designed to reduce behavioral escalation among high-risk youth through structured physical activity and physiological regulation techniques.Youth served at Abraxas Academy often operate in a state of heightened physiological activation due to trauma exposure, impulsivity, and environmental stressors. This role addresses the underlying biological drivers of behavior by providing proactive, movement-based interventions that reduce escalation, improve self-regulation, and enhance overall program stability.This position is not traditional recreation or supervision. The Physical Development Specialist uses exercise science principles as a behavioral intervention, integrating cardiovascular activity, structured programming, and recovery techniques to support emotional and behavioral regulation.Key Responsibilities1. Targeted Caseload InterventionMaintain a caseload of youth identified as high risk for behavioral escalationConduct individual and small-group sessions focused on cardiovascular engagement and regulationFacilitate structured activities such as basketball, soccer, interval training, agility drills, and cyclingProvide guided coaching during activity to support emotional awareness and behavioral choicesAssist youth in identifying triggers and practicing alternative responsesDeliver proactive interventions to reduce the likelihood of crisis behavior2. Structured Recreation LeadershipDesign and implement structured recreation programming across residential unitsMinimize idle time and reduce unstructured or chaotic activitiesIncrease safe cardiovascular intensity and engagement levelsEstablish organized team formats that reinforce discipline and accountabilityCollaborate with and train unit staff on maintaining structure, safety, and behavioral expectations during movement activitiesSupport consistent implementation of program standards across shifts3. Regulation and Recovery IntegrationIntegrate physiological regulation techniques into programming, including:Tactical breathingHeart rate monitoring and recovery trainingMobility and flexibility workCollaborate with external specialists (e.g., yoga or wellness instructors) to enhance programmingFacilitate short, guided recovery sessions to promote down-regulation following physical activityTeach youth strategies to intentionally transition from activation to calm4. Behavior Stabilization SupportUse movement as a proactive intervention to reduce aggression and crisis incidentsReinforce program expectations, structure, and accountability during all activitiesModel calm, controlled responses in high-energy environmentsMaintain safety and behavioral boundaries at all timesCommunicate effectively with clinical and program staff regarding youth progressRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, sports science, psychology, or a similar discipline) preferredDemonstrated ability to lead structured group activities or programmingInterest in working with adolescents and supporting behavioral growthAbility to manage groups in active, high-energy environmentsStrong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skillsAbility to maintain structure, discipline, and safety during movement-based activitiesPreferred QualificationsExperience leading athletic, fitness, recreation, or youth development activitiesExperience working in team-based or structured program environmentsFamiliarity with behavior management, coaching, or mentoring approachesCertification in CPR/First Aid (or ability to obtain)Core CompetenciesBehavioral coaching and de-escalationGroup leadership and engagementStructured program designSituational awareness and safety managementCommunication and collaborationEmotional regulation and professionalismWorking ConditionsActive, movement-based work environmentFrequent standing, walking, running, and physical demonstration of activitiesEngagement with youth exhibiting challenging behaviorsIndoor and outdoor programming environmentsProgram Goals and ImpactThe RAMP initiative is designed to:Reduce aggressive incidents and crisis eventsDecrease use of restraintsImprove program stability and unit climateEnhance youth self-regulation skillsThis role is central to shifting the program from reactive behavior management to proactive stabilization, using movement as a primary tool for regulation and skill development.Position PhilosophyThis position is built on the understanding that many youths regulate more effectively through structured physical engagement than through verbal processing alone.The Physical Development Specialist helps youth:Safely discharge stress through movementStay cognitively engaged during activationLearn to intentionally regulate through recovery techniquesAbraxas Youth & Family Services, an affiliate of Apis Services Inc., offers a rewarding career for those passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Abraxas is a great place to start your career whether you have a high school diploma or GED, military experience, some college, or a bachelor or advanced degree. If you are interested in counseling, juvenile justice, psychology, social work, teaching or just want to make a difference, we have a career path for you.Apis Services Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its Constellation of affiliate companies.Apis Services provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and all applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment.All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. This policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.About Company:Apis Services, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Inperium, Inc.) provides a progressive platform for delivering Shared Services to Inperium and its Constellation of affiliate companies. Allowing these entities to advance their mission and vision. By exploring geographical program expansion and focusing on quality outcome measures to create cost savings that result in reinvestment into the organizations stakeholders through capacity creation and employee compensation betterment. Apis Services, Inc. and affiliate’s provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and all applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy/childbirth, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. This policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunities extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.

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Abraxas Youth & Family Services

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