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Behavior Support Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

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Behavior Support Assistant information

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$10

$17

$24

How much do behavior support assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior support assistant in Rhode Island is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the role of a Behaviour support assistant?

A Behaviour Support Assistant helps manage and improve student behaviour by implementing behaviour plans, supporting positive interactions, and assisting with strategies to promote a safe and conducive learning environment. They often work closely with teachers, special educators, and other staff, and may require training in behaviour management techniques. The role typically involves supervising students and documenting behavioural progress.

What is the difference between Behavior Support Assistant vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectBehavior Support AssistantTeaching Assistant
Required credentialsOften requires relevant certifications in behavior management or special educationTypically requires a general education qualification or equivalent
Work environmentSpecial education settings, classrooms with students with behavioral challengesGeneral classrooms, supporting teachers across various subjects
Employer and industry usageSpecial education schools, inclusive classrooms, behavioral support programsPrimary and secondary schools, mainstream classrooms
Common search and comparison intentYesYes

The main difference between a Behavior Support Assistant and a Teaching Assistant lies in their focus and qualifications. Behavior Support Assistants specialize in managing behavioral challenges and often hold specific certifications in behavior management. They work primarily in special education settings with students needing behavioral support. Teaching Assistants support classroom instruction across various subjects and typically have general education qualifications. Both roles are essential in educational environments but serve different needs based on student requirements.

What is a behavioral assistant?

A behavioral assistant is a professional who supports individuals with behavioral challenges, often working in educational or clinical settings. They implement behavior plans, assist with skill development, and may use positive reinforcement techniques under supervision, often requiring training or certification in behavior management. Their goal is to promote positive behaviors and improve daily functioning.

How to become a behavioral support assistant?

To become a behavioral support assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant experience or training in behavior management or special education. Many roles require certification in first aid or behavior intervention strategies, and some employers prefer candidates with a background in psychology, social work, or related fields. On-the-job training is common, and strong communication and patience are essential skills for success in this role.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

In behavioral health, licensed clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These roles require advanced degrees, licensure, and specialized training, and they typically work in clinical or hospital settings. Other high-paying positions include behavioral health medical directors and psychiatric nurse practitioners.
What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Behavior Support Assistant jobs? Cities in Rhode Island with the most Behavior Support Assistant job openings:

District Behavior Support Assistant

Pawtucket School Department

Pawtucket, RI • On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Contractor

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Support Staff/Teacher Assistant
Date Posted:
7/15/2025
Location:
Pawtucket School Department
Date Available:
08/29/2024District Behavior Support Assistant
(12 positions)
FLSA Status: Non-union, Non-Exempt, 10-month position
The Behavior Support Assistant assists the educators in the delivery of educational and/or behavioral interventions for all students. This role aims to foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive atmosphere that addresses the diverse academic, social, and emotional needs of students. By working closely with teachers, administrators, and support staff, the Behavior Support Assistant strives to help each student achieve their full potential and successfully reintegrate into the traditional classroom setting when appropriate. Due to the varied and individual needs of each student, Behavior Support Assistants may provide a variety of support and assistance and should be flexible in adjusting to students' needs. Behavior Support Assistants report directly to the School Principal in collaboration with the Executive Director of Student Personnel Services.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Assists educators in performing specific duties as assigned or undertaking specialized tasks.
  • Maintains various records and files.
  • Works with individuals or small groups to reinforce behavioral interventions and supports.
  • Assists with a variety of assignments and tasks associated with the needs of students.
  • May be assigned to assist educators, school counselors, and administrative staff.
  • Assists educators with collection of student work and other tasks, and enforces discipline and safety rules.
  • Notifies and supports educators to provide classroom management support.
  • Performs a variety of tasks, such as helping to provide support in morning and afternoon arrival and dismissal processes.
  • Supports the social-emotional learning needs of students.
  • Assists with large group activities.
  • Guides independent study and other work assigned by educators.
  • Reports student problems to educators and assists with student problems.
  • Assists with the sale of supplies and collection of monies.
  • Performs cafeteria, hall, and/or bus duties; helps supervise playground and physical education activities.
  • Assists with lunch, snacks, clean-up, lavatory, clothing, wash-up routines, and students' arrival and departure.
  • Escorts students to classes; assist students during meals.
  • Ability to perform other duties assigned by the school principal in order to meet the specific needs of the Pawtucket School Department and its students.
  • Flexibility to change building assignments as directed based on student needs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to interact and communicate effectively with all student
  • Ability to work as a team member with building staff to provide services to children
  • Ability to assist in the instruction of reading, writing, and mathematics
  • Ability to use sound judgment and knowledge of student behaviors and school department policies and procedures to make decisions
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work with individual students or groups of students according to the educational plan.
  • Ability to assist students' educational needs including personal, emotional, and skill development.
  • Ability to observe and record information on student performance.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to practice patience with employees, students, supervisors, and the general public
  • Timely completion of tasks and paperwork requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or GED and minimal experience working with children, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Two years of successful work experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bi-lingual
  • Safety Care training
  • CPR/AED training
  • Previous experience working with children
  • Associate degree or higher, or completion of at least 2 years of study at an institute of higher education or have passed the ParaPro Exam.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Frequently required to stand, sit, and walk
  • Frequently required to talk and hear
  • Must be able to feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, reach, and stoop/kneel/crouch
  • Occasional lifting or carrying weighing up to 50 pounds
  • Must have clarity of vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the ability to identify students and ensure safety
  • The work environment is typically within a school classroom setting, although the employee may be exposed to adverse weather conditions related to outdoor recreation events
  • May be exposed to bodily fluids when assisting students with physical needs

YEARLY REQUIREMENT
Professional Development hours as set and approved by the Pawtucket School Department

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