Paraeducator Registered Behavior Technician Apprentice 2026-2027 School Year

Education and Experience:

Level of Degree: Meet the designation of a Bucks IU Highly Qualified Instructional Assistant by showing evidence of at least one of the following:

o Associate or bachelors Degree

o At least 48 college/university credits

o A high school diploma or equivalency and successfully pass a local assessment. (Bucks IU considers that a Credential of Competency from the Pennsylvania Department of Education meets this requirement for those individuals who do not have at least 48 college/university credits or an Associate or Bachelor degree.)

o Must have worked Extended School Year through the Bucks County IU.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable): Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer: The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability veteran status or any other basis protected under federal state or local laws.

Job Summary: In addition to working as a Para-educator in a BucksIU school age program an Apprentice will receive specialized training in the various work experiences listed below over a period of 18 months. The order in which this training is given will be determined by the flow of work on the job and will not necessarily be in the order listed. At the commencement of the training the RBT candidate will sit for a certification exam.

• Registered Behavior Technician Training (RBT)
• Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training (CPI)
• CPR/First Aid Certification Course
• Bucks County Community College: Two semester-long courses related to Child Development Education or Psychology/Human Behavior

RBT Certification: The RBT is a credentialed instructional assistant who practices under the close ongoing supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and classroom teacher. The RBT is responsible for providing educational instruction to assigned individuals in a structured classroom environment designed to promote intellectual behavioral emotional and social growth. The RBT is primarily responsible for the direct implementation of skill-acquisition and behavior-reduction plans developed by the supervisor/teacher/program behavior analyst. The RBT may also collect data and conduct certain types of assessments directed by the teacher/supervisor/behavior analyst. He or she will assist in implementing individualized programs that are appropriate to the populations served specifically children and adolescents (ages 5-21 years) with special education needs. The RBT will typically be assigned to a classroom or with an individual student but may be required to work with individuals from other classrooms as assigned by supervisors.

Populations served are intensely challenging. The position requires staff to be aware that individuals served may exhibit aggressive behaviors and/or self-injurious behavior. The RBT will need to be alert and ready to respond to the individuals needs according to effective behavior analytic intervention or crisis plan. The RBT must be able to handle stressful situations with the utmost professionalism.

Essential Functions:

• Participate in the implementation of each students educational program as outlined in his or her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and according to the schedule and routine of the classroom program.

• Act as a liaison in communicating with families Bucks IU staff and others about the ongoing needs of the students.
• Follow the behavior support plans as provided by the teacher/BCBA.
• Assist with assessment of student performance identify needs for remedial training and report such needs to the teacher as follow up.
• Escort students to lunch in cafeteria gymnasium music classroom and auditorium for scheduled events; Supervise and support students during eating activities gym outdoor recess and field trips as needed.
• Provide support to students attending inclusive regular education classes assisting with modifications as directed by the teachers/supervisor.

• Oversee students while embarking and disembarking from school bus as needed.
• Attend required training sessions in-service workshops and update skills as directed by the supervisor/teacher (minimum 40 hours during the first year Minimum 20 hours per year each subsequent year).
• Achieve a passing score on the Behavior Analysis Certification Board RBT Credential Training Competency Assessment and RBT Credentialing Exam.
• After certification occurs the RBT will be expected to support the programs classroom teacher and behavior analyst by modeling behavior analytic strategies for other staff who work in the program.
• Assist students in activities of daily living and personal care skills (including toileting) as needed.

• Assist with administrative duties as directed such as recording data setting up equipment preparing materials for instruction.
• Participate in supervision from the BCBA and follow recommendations and guidance provided by the BCBA.
• Implements behavior analysis procedures under the guidance support and direction from the BCBA.
• Annually demonstrate satisfactory implementation of the RBT required competencies in a precise and timely manner.
• Participate in routine supervision as per the BACB and track their supervision hours in the Bucks IU designated system.

• Comply with all certification requirements outlined by the BACB including annual renewal fees.
• Assist with the creation and delivery of presentations related to behavior analytic content and procedures.
• Assist with the collection of A-B-C data to assist with functional assessment of students.
• Provide in the moment guidance and feedback regarding behavior analytic principles.
• Regular consultation with the supervising BCBA especially when staff guidance and feedback is provided.

Competency Assessment: At the conclusion of the RBT training program selected participants are expected to achieve a Passing score on the Behavior Analysis Certification Board RBT Competency Assessment and RBT Credentialing Exam. An examination will be taken at the conclusion of the training period. There is a competency/ skills assessment that occurs after the training period and every year thereafter (it is an annual requirement).

Other Duties: This position description does not express nor does it imply that the above duties are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent(s) in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator of the department as needed to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.

Competencies:

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others ideas and tries new things.

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

Supervisory Responsibility: No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this Job the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods and to climb or balance and stoop kneel crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Other movements that may be required include:

• Frequently bend and touch toes without significantly bending knees
• Frequently stand in a wide leg stance and move in that position
• Frequently bend up and down at knees 10 times in a row
• Frequently hold at least 50 pounds of weight

• Occasionally sprint at least 50 yards.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time 185-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday. 7.5 hours per day of work are based on the location assignment and are dependent on the needs of the program. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel: Limited travel required but may occur.