Instructional Assistant with RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)

As an Instructional Assistant with RBT at The Menta Group, your responsibilities include managing classroom behaviors, reporting concerns, implementing behavioral programs, and ensuring a safe learning environment. You will also provide general supervision of students, assist in managing incidents of non-compliance, and respond to emergencies while offering interventions to help students manage their behavior effectively.

To qualify for the Instructional Assistant with RBT position at The Menta Group, you'll need a Registered Behavior Technician Certification and ideally a Substitute Teacher Certification or a Bachelor's Degree. Candidates with backgrounds in security, juvenile justice, or military veterans are particularly encouraged to apply, as these experiences can provide essential skills for managing classroom dynamics.

Instructional Assistants with RBT at The Menta Group enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, available from the first day of employment. Additionally, the position offers generous paid time off, a 403(b) investment option, and a unique 10-month school position with 12-month pay.

The Menta Group, through its HarbourView Academy, provides tailored educational support to high-risk children and adolescents. With an inclusive and structured learning environment, we focus on social-emotional needs and implement programs to reduce out-of-school suspensions while helping students reintegrate successfully back into their home schools.

As an Instructional Assistant with RBT at The Menta Group, you will work closely with classroom instructors to develop and implement personalized teaching strategies. You'll provide critical assistance in managing classroom behaviors and ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive academically and socially.

To effectively handle classroom disruptions, I focus on preemptive strategies such as establishing clear expectations and routines. If disruptions occur, I maintain a calm demeanor, use verbal de-escalation techniques, and work collaboratively with the instructor to address the behavior while prioritizing student safety.

An RBT's role in the classroom involves implementing behavioral interventions based on the student's individualized plans. This includes collecting and analyzing data on student behaviors to track progress, and collaborating with educators to modify strategies that support student learning and development.

I approach high-risk students with empathy and a solutions-focused mindset. Understanding the triggers of their behaviors is crucial. I maintain open communication, provide consistent support, and utilize positive reinforcement strategies to promote desirable behavior while creating a trusting environment.

To engage non-compliant students, I use techniques like offering choices to foster a sense of control and utilizing interactive activities that align with their interests. Building rapport is essential, and I strive to identify motivations that encourage participation and compliance.

My experience with students with special needs has included implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), utilizing sensory tools, and developing adaptive learning strategies. Each student has unique needs and I am committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that accommodates diverse learning styles.

Ensuring student safety begins with maintaining alertness to potential issues. I would implement established protocols, such as regular monitoring, conducting safety drills, and remaining calm in emergency situations, while always being approachable to students so they feel comfortable coming to me with concerns.

In crisis situations, I rely on training and established protocols. I assess the situation quickly, follow intervention strategies tailored to the individual student, and involve other staff as needed. My primary goal is to de-escalate the situation while ensuring the safety of all students involved.

Data collection is fundamental to assessing student progress and the effectiveness of interventions. I meticulously record behavioral data, analyze patterns, and collaborate with teachers to adjust strategies based on the data, ensuring that each student's plan is as effective as possible.

I encourage positive behavior by establishing a reward system that recognizes achievements, no matter how small. Creating an environment where students feel valued and understood fosters their motivation to engage positively. I also model appropriate behavior to set a standard for students to follow.

My philosophy on working with at-risk youth is rooted in the belief that every child holds potential. By providing supportive, understanding guidance and fostering resilience, I aim to create opportunities that promote their academic and personal growth, contributing to their long-term success.