Behavior & Academic Support Specialist

RUM RIVER SPECIAL EDUCATION COOP; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 30,844 - 33,227; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

403(b) retirement plan

Life insurance

Job summary

A specialized education cooperative in Massachusetts is seeking an Instructional Assistant/Academic and Behavior Manager. This position is key in assisting students with their academic and behavioral goals under certified supervision. The ideal candidate will have relevant certifications such as ParaPro or PCA, and prior experience with special needs children is preferred. The position offers a competitive hourly pay ranging from $22.39 to $24.12 and eligibility for medical and dental benefits.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skills.
• Experience working with special needs children is desirable.
• Must maintain confidentiality regarding students and employees.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with academic or behavioral goals.
• Prepare classroom materials, including those for IEPs.
• Supervise students in various school settings.

Skills

Effective writing and verbal communication skills

Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals

Ability to carry out instructions

Ability to maintain confidentiality

Ability to establish supportive relationships

Education

ParaPro or ParaEducator Certification

Associates (AA) College Degree

PCA Certification

Tools

Personal computers

Standard office equipment

Job description

• Position Type:
  Instructional Assistant/ Academic and Behavior Manager
  
  
• Date Posted:
  10/20/2025
  
  
• Date Available:
  10/31/2025
  
  

Position Purpose
- Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.
Essential Job Functions

• Assist students with academic or behavioral goals, one-to-one or small group, under the direction of the supervising teacher or licensed staff;
• Support student discipline, including providing positive reinforcement and supporting the character traits established by the program;
• Provides assistance with individualized program materials;
• Assists with group educational activities;
• Confers and plans with teachers related to classroom and IEP objectives and/or modifications, and provides documentation;
• Assists the teacher in observing, recording, and charting behavior;
• Assists the teacher with crisis intervention and behavior management to include physical intervention and restraint;
• Prepares classroom materials including those related to IEPs or accommodations/modifications;
• Prepares the classroom or building environment for learning activities;
• Assists students with physical needs (toileting, eating, dressing);
• Participate in professional activities and meetings;
• Supervises students in the hallway, lunchroom, playground, outdoor activities and field trips;
• Completes data entry and incident reports, including ongoing behavior documentation;
• Assists students with computer or technology-related instructional activities or adaptive equipment;
• Performs various maintenance duties including cleaning of instructional materials or supplies and bodily fluids;

Position Purpose
- Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.
Essential Job Functions

• Assist students with academic or behavioral goals, one-to-one or small group, under the direction of the supervising teacher or licensed staff;
• Support student discipline, including providing positive reinforcement and supporting the character traits established by the program;
• Provides assistance with individualized program materials;
• Assists with group educational activities;
• Confers and plans with teachers related to classroom and IEP objectives and/or modifications, and provides documentation;
• Assists the teacher in observing, recording, and charting behavior;
• Assists the teacher with crisis intervention and behavior management to include physical intervention and restraint;
• Prepares classroom materials including those related to IEPs or accommodations/modifications;
• Prepares the classroom or building environment for learning activities;
• Assists students with physical needs (toileting, eating, dressing);
• Participate in professional activities and meetings;
• Supervises students in the hallway, lunchroom, playground, outdoor activities and field trips;
• Completes data entry and incident reports, including ongoing behavior documentation;
• Assists students with computer or technology-related instructional activities or adaptive equipment;
• Performs various maintenance duties including cleaning of instructional materials or supplies and bodily fluids;

Additional Duties:
- Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
- Perform any other related duties as assigned.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.


Equipment
- Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.


Travel Requirements
- Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
- Works in standard office and school building environments.
- Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.


Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.


Qualifications Profile
- Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• ParaPro or ParaEducator Certification (contingent upon completion after hire)
• Or an Associates (AA) College Degree
• PCA Certification

- Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.


FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Pay Based on Contract - $22.39- $24.12per hour - DOQ and experience
Days based on School Calendar - Student Contact Days (172)
Benefit Eligible Position: Medical, Dental, Life, Supplemental, 403(b), and more!

Postings current as of 3/25/2026 9:28:45 PM CST.

Powered by applicant tracking, a product of Frontline Education.