PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Job Posting TitlePhysical Development Specialist Job Description Position: 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 hourly Job Type: Full-time Must pass a drug test and both federal and state background checks! Position Summary The 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 Intervention Maintain a caseload of youth identified as high risk for behavioral escalation Conduct individual and small-group sessions focused on cardiovascular engagement and regulation Facilitate structured activities such as basketball, soccer, interval training, agility drills, and cycling Provide guided coaching during activity to support emotional awareness and behavioral choices Assist youth in identifying triggers and practicing alternative responses Deliver proactive interventions to reduce the likelihood of crisis behavior 2. Structured Recreation Leadership Design and implement structured recreation programming across residential units Minimize idle time and reduce unstructured or chaotic activities Increase safe cardiovascular intensity and engagement levels Establish organized team formats that reinforce discipline and accountability Collaborate with and train unit staff on maintaining structure, safety, and behavioral expectations during movement activities Support consistent implementation of program standards across shifts 3. Regulation and Recovery Integration Integrate physiological regulation techniques into programming, including: Tactical breathing Heart rate monitoring and recovery training Mobility and flexibility work Collaborate with external specialists (e.g., yoga or wellness instructors) to enhance programming Facilitate short, guided recovery sessions to promote down-regulation following physical activity Teach youth strategies to intentionally transition from activation to calm 4. Behavior Stabilization Support Use movement as a proactive intervention to reduce aggression and crisis incidents Reinforce program expectations, structure, and accountability during all activities Model calm, controlled responses in high-energy environments Maintain safety and behavioral boundaries at all times Communicate effectively with clinical and program staff regarding youth progress Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., kinesiology, exercise science, physical education, sports science, psychology, or a similar discipline) preferred Demonstrated ability to lead structured group activities or programming Interest in working with adolescents and supporting behavioral growth Ability to manage groups in active, high-energy environments Strong interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills Ability to maintain structure, discipline, and safety during movement-based activities Preferred Qualifications Experience leading athletic, fitness, recreation, or youth development activities Experience working in team-based or structured program environments Familiarity with behavior management, coaching, or mentoring approaches Certification in CPR/First Aid (or ability to obtain) Core Competencies Behavioral coaching and de-escalation Group leadership and engagement Structured program design Situational awareness and safety management Communication and collaboration Emotional regulation and professionalism Working Conditions Active, movement-based work environment Frequent standing, walking, running, and physical demonstration of activities Engagement with youth exhibiting challenging behaviors Indoor and outdoor programming environments Program Goals and Impact The RAMP initiative is designed to: Reduce aggressive incidents and crisis events Decrease use of restraints Improve program stability and unit climate Enhance youth self-regulation skills This 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 Philosophy This 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 movement Stay cognitively engaged during activation Learn to intentionally regulate through recovery techniques Abraxas 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.

Created: 2026-03-10