Behavior Support Specialist, Lower Academy (Middle Grades, 4-8)

RISE Prep Mayoral Academy (RI) RISE Prep Lower Academy - Woonsocket, Rhode Island Open in Google Maps Behavior Support Specialist, Lower Academy (Middle Grades, 4-8) Job ID: 5719797 Application Deadline: Jul 31, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time) Posted: May 18, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC) Starting Date: Immediately Job Description Be a Behavior Support Specialist at RISE Prep Academies. RISE Prep Academies knows that educator quality is the most important factor driving scholar achievement. We are seeking educators who believe strongly in our mission and whose actions demonstrate high expectations for themselves, scholars, families, and colleagues. We hire smart, driven people who are relentless in their work and have the characteristics and experiences necessary to deliver ambitious results for scholars. RISE Prep Academies prioritizes professional development and growth for each of its educators. About RISE Prep Academies RISE Prep Academies is a college preparatory K-12 public charter school network based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where college preparation begins in Kindergarten. Approved by the Rhode Island Board of Education in October 2014, we opened our doors to our founding class of kindergarteners in August 2015 and our founding High School class in August of 2024. Through a rigorous curriculum, highly structured learning environment, and character education, RISE Prep Academies ensures that all Kindergarten through 12th grade scholars achieve the academic skills, content knowledge, and character required for the path to college or career. RISE Prep Academies is committed to establishing intentionally diverse schools that enroll from both urban and suburban communities. We believe that part of our mission is to teach the importance and value of diversity within classrooms and communities. RISE Prep curriculum will include a community engagement component to ensure habits of service, helping, and kindness are fostered within our scholars to shape engaged and caring members of their communities. A rigorous college preparatory program focused on literacy and math A joyful culture with structure and discipline Recruiting and developing excellent teachers An extended school day for scholars Partnerships with families and communities Use of data to strategically propel scholar achievement All educators at RISE Prep Academies will: Embody RISE Prep’s mission, vision, and RISE values (Respect, Integrity, Self-Determination, Excellence) Believe in the urgency and importance of providing an outstanding college preparatory academic and character education to all scholars Take ownership for the achievement results of their scholars Have a track record of producing dramatic, demonstrable scholar achievement gains or comparable results in their current field Work well within a team and approach all work with positivity and determination Be goal-driven, analytical problem solvers, and embody a can-do spirit and strong work ethic Promote continuous improvement by being self-reflective and open to feedback Demonstrate excellent verbal and written skills Communicate effectively with scholars, families, and colleagues Responsibilities The Behavior Support Specialist, Middle Grades (4-8) will work closely with the school leadership team to proactively maintain a positive school culture, by upholding expectations for scholar behavior and effectively responding to scholar behavioral needs. Implement RISE Prep Academies Academic Culture Vision and Program to Ensure Strong Proficiency in Grade-Level Literacy and Math Uphold the belief that the college preparatory classroom and academic culture is focused and revered and that any violations should be responded to appropriately, consistently, and in a timely manner Collaborates with RISE Prep Academies leaders and supports Lower Academy teachers and scholars to manage behavior incidents or referrals in alignment to the RISE Prep Academies Academic Culture Vision Develop scholar behavior plans in alignment to the RISE Prep vision, in consultation with Principal/Director, and in coordination with the Special Educators; support the implementation of scholar behavior plans, including managing scheduled breaks or individualized accommodations to include supporting scholars with Individualized Education Plans and 504 Plans, as needed and directed by the RISE Prep leaders and Lower Academy team Foster a Joyful School Community and Structured Learning Environment Reinforce a positive and supportive culture of learning and achievement, that cultivates scholar interest in learning, and reinforces the value and relevance of the learning done in class by connecting content to real-world applications and careers in the field wherever possible Create and maintain clear expectations, routines, and procedures to effectively and quickly address scholar behavior and violations to the school community Consistently implement school-wide systems and employ systems aligned to RISE Academies’ vision, including support to morning meetings/advisory program as directed by Director/Dean of Behavior Support in identified grade-span (Middle Grades, 4-8) Model effective de-escalation techniques, employ positive intervention strategies, and utilize trauma informed and restorative practices to reduce frequency of incidents and support scholar self-regulation Support safe and structured school-wide community during high-priority and high-traffic times, including arrival, transitions, lunch, recess, dismissal, etc. as needed and/or directed by Principal/Directors Use Data to Inform Instruction, Support the Range of Learner Needs, and Achieve High Levels of Success in the RISE Prep Academies Classroom Engage in cycles of data collection, review, action planning, and progress monitoring with coach, members of content/grade-level teams, and/or members of the school/RISE Prep Academies leadership team to improve the culture and climate at RISE Prep Lower Academy Utilize data to inform behavior plans and provide feedback to scholars on progress toward goals Demonstrate a Commitment to Continuous Improvement and Development as a Professional Use feedback to make productive changes in performance and continuously improve effectiveness as an educator and job-related administrative tasks Collaborate with other staff members and actively participate in training, professional development and learning activities to increase impact as an educator Communicate and Collaborate with Critical Stakeholders and Colleagues to Ensure a Well-Rounded Scholar Experience Partner with members of the RISE Prep team to offer real-time, behavior focused feedback and suggestions grounded in trauma-informed best practices, including the use of proactive behavior strategies, de-escalation techniques, and consistent implementation of behavior plans to foster a sense of shared ownership of scholars’ success Communicate with families, teachers, and scholars on a regular basis and maintain confidentiality of information Work collaboratively with school/grade team to align supports and ensure a positive scholar experience Participate in additional activities including field trips, intensive academic support sessions, and other required programs and events as needed throughout year outside of the established school day Qualifications Required: Hold high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) Prior experience employing effective behavior management and interventions in a K-12 school and/or youth-oriented setting Ability to build rapport and trust with a range of stakeholders, including scholars who may exhibit challenging behavior and/or trauma-related responses Exceptional verbal and written communication in English Technological proficiency and comfort with using online platforms Hold or be able to attain Safety Care Certification within 1 year of employment Preferred: Current enrollment in college coursework and/or has Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in education or related field Current educator certification or enrollment coursework leading to educator certification. See for more information Prior relevant experience, including crisis management and prevention (Safety-Care certification) and understanding of trauma-informed practices Strong interpersonal communication skills and personal organizational systems, particularly pertaining to time and task management Certification or Endorsement in Special Education, Multilingual Learner, Literacy/Dyslexia, etc. Fluency in a language other than English, particularly languages spoken by RISE Prep families (Spanish, Arabic, French, Wolof, etc.) Compensation RISE Prep offers a competitive compensation package, and comprehensive health benefits. The Behavior Support Specialist position is an 11 month position and is expected to be on-site from early August through the end of the school year in June. For candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree with relevant certification or eligibility for certification, they will be paid on the RISE Prep Instructional salary scale For candidates that have a High School Degree, GED, and/or Associate's Degree, they will be paid on the RISE Prep Support salary scale Additionally, RISE Prep offers childcare reimbursement, MLL certification fellowship pathways, tuition reimbursement, investments in Special Education certification, in addition to a vacation package. Final salary will be determined by years of experience, education, and current certification. Be Part of the RISE Prep Team – Apply Today! Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information about our school or career opportunities at RISE Prep, visit our website: Position Type: Full-Time Job Requirements Citizenship, residency or work visa required Contact Information Roaslind Dacruz 30 Cumberland Street Woonsocket, Rhode Island 02895 Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io Email: View email address on click.appcast.io #J-18808-Ljbffr Young World Physical Education