Behavioral Assistant- RISE Program

Newbedfordschools; New Bedford (MA); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education seeks a dedicated Behavioral Assistant for the RISE Program in New Bedford, Massachusetts. This full-time position requires experience supporting students with challenging behaviors within Special Education settings. Responsibilities include developing and implementing behavioral plans, collaborating with teachers, and providing academic support. Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and have a passion for inclusive education. Training in crisis intervention is preferred. Competitive pay in alignment with the union contract.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of experience in special education or student services.
• Training in Crisis Prevention Institute and Preventing and Managing Aggressive Behavior.
• Experience designing and monitoring special education programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group support for students with disabilities.
• Assist in developing and monitoring behavioral improvement plans.
• Collaborate with staff to provide technical assistance for student support.

Skills

Experience working with students who have challenging behaviors

Excellent communication skills

Bilingual in Spanish and Portuguese

Crisis intervention skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in special education, psychology, or related field

Job description

Behavioral Assistant- RISE Program

New Bedford Public Schools Casimir Pulaski Elementary School - New Bedford, Massachusetts. Open in Google Maps.

Job Details

Job ID: 5683257

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Apr 30, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

We are deeply committed to an inclusive curriculum and school community that reflects the diversity of our student population. We strive to have the highest quality educators and encourage applications from candidates representing a broad range of skills and diverse backgrounds. We seek candidates who are dedicated to inclusion and have a clear interest in being part of the richness of diversity that the New Bedford Public Schools community has to offer.

Position

Behavioral Assistant

Objective

• To build capacity within the district to provide the best clinical support and behavioral services for students with disabilities, students in referral and/or at‑risk in New Bedford in grades PK‑12.
• The Behavioral Assistant functions as a professional in the Special Education substantially separate, behavioral‑based and inclusion classroom settings within the New Bedford Public School District.
• This person may provide individual, group, or classroom support and will work under the direction of teachers, consultants, related service providers, and in collaboration with other para educators and school‑based personnel to meet the goals and objectives of a student’s IEP.
• Services may include addressing safety needs related to behavior management and supporting the development of social and emotional needs, sensory support, and providing academic support to students.
• The Behavioral Assistant in this role will assist in development, implementation, and monitoring of behavioral improvement plans that may require de‑escalation, reinforcement, data collection, and physical management. Duties may require the physical ability to lift, escort, hold, and guide students.
• The Behavioral Assistant in this role is asked to review students’ IEPs with teachers regularly and employ universal precautions related to health and hygiene. The assistant is expected to use de‑escalation techniques taught by the district to minimize the need for physical intervention. They must remain calm during a crisis and be able to make quick, rational decisions to prioritize student care and maintain a therapeutic environment and safety.
• Employees must participate in physical management of students when needed using approved methods only, maintaining safety for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Work through various aspects of the Special Education/Student Services Department and collaborate with staff to develop, implement, and monitor a behavioral improvement plan that meets the whole‑student needs.
• Provide frequent consultation with staff at all Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention Programs (CBIP), Trinity Day Academy, and Whaling City.
• Assist in developing a Response to Intervention (RTI) model for the district to include in‑school and community support and interventions.
• Analyze and collect student data (behavioral infractions, at‑risk forms, discipline) and submit reports to the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.
• Support the team evaluation process and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements for progress monitoring and data collection required by IEP.
• Stay informed on all legal requirements governing special education.
• Collaborate with all school staff to provide technical assistance and consultation to better support students with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties.
• Work with individuals and groups of students in crisis situations, family interventions, and group interventions as needed.
• Support planning and coordination of Extended Year Services (EYS) for students receiving programmatic or related services during summer.
• Support Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans, and consult on students placed in 45‑day interim educational placements.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct student records as required by law and district policy.
• Attend meetings in and out of the district as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education & Student Services.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Supervisor of Clinical/Behavioral Services or the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education & Student Services.

Qualifications

• Experience working with students who have challenging behaviors.
• Preferred Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university; evidence of study in special education, psychology, Applied Behavioral Analysis, or social work.
• Preferred bilingual in Spanish and Portuguese.
• Training or willingness to be trained in Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and Preventing and Managing Aggressive Behavior (PMAB). Past experience with physical intervention is preferred.
• Willingness to assist in all areas of developmentally appropriate milestones, daily living skills, wash‑up, and toilet routines as needed.
• Two to three years of experience in Special Education/Student Services.
• Two to three years in residential treatment services; understanding of behavioral intervention techniques such as ignoring, limit setting, reinforcement, physical management, etc.
• Experience designing and monitoring special education programs, positive behavioral strategies, social/emotional interventions, sensory input diets, and clinical support for students and families.
• Experience working with community mental health agencies and relevant state departments to integrate services.
• Understanding of DESE mandated restraint training and experience completing training for schools.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Excellent interpersonal and social skills with colleagues, district staff, families, and community partners.
• Strong work attendance record.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Positive outlook.

Terms of Employment

• Reports to: Head of the Special Education Department or designee.
• Rate: In accordance with the NBSSU union contract.

The New Bedford Public Schools do not discriminate on account of age, race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, genetics, or disability that does not prohibit performance of essential job functions. New Bedford Public Schools encourages applicants with multilingual skills, particularly in Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, and/or Spanish, to apply. Every available opportunity will be taken to ensure that each applicant is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit and ability.

Position Type: Full‑time

Job Requirements

• At least one year of relevant experience (preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred).
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required.

Contact Information

• Melissa Rego, Principal
• 1097 Braley Rd
• New Bedford, Massachusetts 02745
• Phone: 508‑997‑4511 x 2225
• Fax: 508‑997‑4511 x 2370
• Email: [e-mail]