Jacksonville School for Autism

JSA is NOW HIRING CLASSROOM PARAPROFESSIONALS!

The Classroom Paraprofessional provides educational support to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related communication and behavioral challenges. This position works under the direction of the Lead Teacher and reports to the Education Director.

Qualifications
High School Diploma or higher preferred
Minimum 2 years of experience in special education or a related field
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, ABA therapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, administrators, and families
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
Current automobile insurance if transporting students
Ability to pass a criminal background check
CPR/BLS Certification and NPI number required prior to employment
Commitment to mandated reporting requirements for child safety
Essential Responsibilities
Support students in achieving Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals
Observe, document, and communicate student progress
Follow classroom procedures and teacher directives
Participate in trainings, team meetings, and professional development
Maintain confidentiality and comply with all JSA policies and procedures
Promote a safe, positive, and professional learning environment
Maintain required certifications and complete the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) course within 90 days of employment
Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to actively engage with students throughout the school day, including:

Running, bending, kneeling, and getting on/off the floor
Assisting with student support during behavioral crises
Lifting/supporting up to 25 pounds and pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds
Strong communication, critical thinking, emotional stability, and interpersonal skills
Compensation & Benefits
Full-time position; salary based on experience
School-based schedule with additional summer employment opportunities
Five weeks of paid holidays plus PTO
Comprehensive benefits package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and 401(k) with matching
Employee Assistance Program
Professional development and leadership opportunities
Direct supervision and support from a BCBA
Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
Collaborative, multidisciplinary team environment

Jacksonville School for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.

To apply, please send your resume to [email protected]

Bring Your Passion. Bring Your Energy. Bring Your Heart to JSA!

had the amazing opportunity to attend the Step Up For Students Navigating New Horizons Conference! It was inspiring to learn about the innovative ways Florida education continues to pave the way for school choice and expanded opportunities for students and families.

JSA Staff attended several outstanding breakout sessions focused on new strategies and ideas to better serve our students, families, and school communities. They also had the exciting opportunity to meet Coy Bowles from the Zac Brown Band!

We are grateful for opportunities like these that allow us to continue learning, growing, and bringing back valuable knowledge to support those we serve. Thankful for a wonderful conference experience and the chance to connect with so many passionate educators and advocates for student success.

We’re growing! Jacksonville School for Autism is looking fora talented Registered Behavior Technicians to join our team! If you’re passionate about making a real difference in the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum, we want to hear from you!

Check out the full job description here:

🌟 Now Casting: ABA Clinical Therapist (RBT) 🌟

🎬 Lights, Camera, ABA!

Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA) is rolling out the red carpet for compassionate, creative, and dedicated Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), Join a star-studded team that supports children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders through evidence-based, life-changing therapy.

This isn't just a job - it's your chance to shine in a collaborative, mission-driven environment that values growth, laughter, and purpose.

💫 Your Role in the Spotlight

As a JSA Clinical Therapist, you'll:

Implement individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) using a Verbal Behavior, errorless teaching approach.

Collect and track data like a pro - monitoring progress and celebrating every skill mastered.

Conduct preference and skill assessments (VB-MAPP, ABLLS-R).
Collaborate closely with BCBAS, teachers, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and families to make learning fun, functional, and effective.

Receive direct supervision and ongoing mentorship from experienced BCBAs.

🌠 The Star Qualities We're Looking For:

RBT certification (required)
Bachelor's degree in ABA, education, psychology, or related field preferred
At least one year of experience working with children or teens with autism
Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
Proficient in Google Suite
Able to lift, move, and engage actively during sessions
Must pass Level 2 Background Screening and have valid driver's license & insurance

🏆 The Perks of Joining Our Cast:

Full Health Benefits Package: medical, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability
Generous Paid Time Off: 5 weeks of paid holidays + PTO
401(k) with Match & Loan Forgiveness Eligibility (Nonprofit Employer!)
14 Paid Training & Planning Days - because learning never stops
Professional Development & Advancement Opportunities
Referral Bonuses, Recognition, and Themed Staff Events (Hollywood-Style!)
Flexible Scheduling for Work/Life Balance

🌟 Behind the Scenes at JSA
At JSA, we believe every staff member is a STAR - Supportive, Trustworthy, Accountable, Resilient.

Our clinical culture shines with collaboration, creativity, and compassion. Whether you're teaching communication, building social skills, or celebrating a student's success, you'll play a starring role in changing lives every day.

🎬 Ready to Join the Cast?
Apply today and let your passion take center stage at Jacksonville School for Autism - where every day is an opportunity to spark change and shine bright. To apply, please contact Lynsie Boelsche at [email protected]

🎬✨ That's a wrap on the 2025–2026 school year at JSA! ✨🎬

Today, our students took their final bow on a school year filled with growth, learning, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

From mastering new skills and reaching important milestones to building confidence and independence, every student has a story worth celebrating. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished this year and the determination they showed every step of the way.

As the curtain closes on another fantastic year, we want to thank our students and families for making JSA such a special place. We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved summer break filled with fun, relaxation, and new adventures.

The credits may be rolling on this school year, but we can't wait to see what our stars accomplish next!

Stay tuned for another post about our Secret Mission yesterday ;)

Happy Pride Month from all of us at JSA! 🌈

At Jacksonville School for Autism, we celebrate the diversity, individuality, and unique strengths that make our community so special. This month, we honor love, acceptance, inclusion, and the courage to be authentically yourself.

We are proud to foster an environment where every student, family, staff member, and supporter is valued, respected, and welcomed. Together, we continue building a community where everyone belongs.

Wishing you a joyful and meaningful Pride Month!

💙 Team JSA

The last two days at JSA have been filled with celebration, pride, and so many unforgettable moments as we honored the incredible achievements of our students across every program.

Yesterday, we celebrated our graduates — Ben, Mason, and Maddie — along with all of our amazing STEP students during our annual awards ceremony. Each of these students represents perseverance, growth, determination, and countless accomplishments that deserve to be recognized. Watching our graduates reach this milestone filled Team JSA with overwhelming pride, while our STEP students continued to inspire us through their vocational growth, increased independence, social development, and personal achievements throughout the year.

Today, we continued the celebration by recognizing our lower school students and all they have accomplished this year. From communication breakthroughs and academic progress to social growth, confidence, and independence, every student had moments worth celebrating. Watching our younger students shine and seeing how far they have come reminds us that every step forward — big or small — matters.

At JSA, we know that success looks different for every student, and these celebrations are a reflection of the hard work, resilience, and determination shown by our students each and every day. None of these accomplishments happen alone, and we are so grateful for our incredible staff, therapists, families, volunteers, and community members who support our students along the way.

To all of our students, graduates, and award recipients: thank you for inspiring us daily. Team JSA is endlessly proud of you and honored to be part of your journey. 💙 💙

Volunteers needed for this awesome HEAL surf camp!