Educational Paraprofessional Position Paraeducator

Job Description:

Paraeducator/ Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) - RISE Room

Location: Derby Middle School, Derby, Connecticut

Position Overview

Derby Middle School is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and student-centered Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)/ Paraeducator to join our RISE Room team. The RISE Room provides targeted academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and regulation support to middle school students who require additional structure and individualized intervention to be successful in the school environment.

The RBT will work collaboratively with special education teachers, general education teachers, school counselors, administrators, related service providers, and families to support students in developing the skills necessary to access instruction, build positive relationships, regulate emotions and behavior, and become increasingly independent learners.

The ideal candidate will understand that behavior is a form of communication and will approach students with patience, consistency, empathy, and a belief in their ability to grow. The RBT/Paraeducator will help create a predictable, supportive environment in which students can practice and strengthen academic, behavioral, social, and self-regulation skills.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide direct behavioral and academic support to students individually and in small groups.
• Implement individualized behavioral interventions and strategies under the direction of qualified school-based professionals and in accordance with student plans.
• Support students in developing self-regulation, coping, communication, social, executive functioning, and problem-solving skills.
• Assist students in identifying triggers and utilizing appropriate replacement behaviors and coping strategies.
• Reinforce positive behaviors and student progress using school- and student-appropriate reinforcement systems.
• Support students in transitioning successfully between classrooms, activities, and settings.
• Provide academic assistance and reinforce instructional strategies under the direction of classroom teachers and other certified staff.
• Help students develop independence rather than becoming dependent on adult support.
• Collect accurate behavioral and academic data as directed by the supervising teacher or behavior professional.
• Document student progress, interventions, and relevant observations in accordance with school and district expectations.
• Assist with the implementation of behavior support plans, IEP goals, and other individualized student supports as appropriate.
• Maintain a calm, predictable, structured, and welcoming RISE Room environment.
• Respond appropriately and safely to student dysregulation, escalation, and crises in accordance with district protocols and training.
• Support students in returning to instruction and the school community following behavioral incidents or periods of dysregulation.
• Collaborate with teachers to help students generalize skills learned in the RISE Room to their general education classrooms and other school settings.
• Participate as a member of the students educational support team and contribute relevant observations and data.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism when working with students, families, and staff.
• Build positive relationships with students while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Perform other duties as assigned by school administration.

Qualifications Required:

• Current Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), or eligibility to obtain certification as required.
• Associates or Bachelors degree in education, psychology, behavioral science, special education, social work, or a related field, or completion of the ParaPro Exam.
• Experience working with children or adolescents with behavioral, academic, developmental, or social-emotional needs.
• Ability to successfully complete required background checks and district employment requirements.
• Ability to participate in required crisis prevention, safety, and behavioral support training.
• Previous experience working in a school setting.
• Experience implementing behavior intervention plans or individualized behavioral strategies.
• Experience working with middle school-aged students.
• Familiarity with special education, IEPs, MTSS, PBIS, SEL, or trauma-responsive practices.
• Experience using behavioral data to monitor student progress.

RBT certifiied candidates shall receive $5 per hour stipend