Paraeducator/Registered Behavioral Tech. - RISE Learning Center

Location: Derby Middle School, Derby, Connecticut

Reports To: Building Administration / Special Education Supervisor

About the Role

The Derby Middle School RISE Room is designed to provide students with a structured and supportive setting when they need additional assistance to successfully engage in school. The program is grounded in our schoolwide RISE values:

• Respectful – We treat ourselves and others with dignity.
• Independent – We develop the skills to advocate for ourselves and take ownership of our learning and behavior.
• Safe – We create an environment where students and adults feel physically and emotionally safe.
• Empowered – We believe every student has the capacity to learn, grow, and contribute.

Students receiving support through the RISE Room may demonstrate a range of academic, behavioral, executive functioning, communication, social-emotional, and self-regulation needs. Support is individualized based on student needs and may occur within the RISE Room, in general education settings, or throughout other areas of the school.

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 student's 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

• Current Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), or eligibility to obtain certification as required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's 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.

Why Join Derby Middle School?

At Derby Middle School, we believe that students do well when they can. Our work is grounded in relationships, high expectations, consistency, and a commitment to helping every student find a pathway to success. The RISE Room is an important part of our school's commitment to supporting students with behavioral and academic needs while maintaining their connection to the larger school community. The RBT/Paraeducator will play a critical role in helping students build the skills, confidence, and independence they need to be successful.

Pay

RBT certified candidates shall receive a $5 per hour stipend.