Over the past few years, the demand for school RBT paraprofessionals has increased drastically. If you’ve been researching careers in special education or behavioral therapy, you may have come across the term “school RBT”. Some of the most sought-after professionals in school currently are board certified behavior analysts and registered behavior technicians. But what exactly is an RBT and what does the role entail? In this blog post, we are going to explore the role of a school-based RBT, how they support students in school settings, and why they’re in high demand, especially for NJ school-based RBTs.
Understanding the Role: What is a School RBT
An RBT, or a Registered Behavior Technician, is a paraprofessional who provides direct support to a special needs students using ABA techniques under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). While RBTs can be found working in various environments, a school-based RBT focuses on supporting students within educational settings. School RBTs play a crucial role in helping students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other behavioral or developmental challenges to thrive socially and economically. As a school-based RBT you’ll use a number of behavior intervention strategies and techniques to support students’ progress with their education. School-based RBTs may assist students with the development of social skills, implementation of academic interventions, and collaborate with other professionals to curate a dialed plan of action for the individual student.
A Day in the Life as a School RBT
A typical day in the life as a school RBT includes implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs), which include positive reinforcement strategies to improve behavior and skill development for students. They might work one-on-one with a student or support a group, depending on the current needs of the lead teacher. School RBTs will also be tracking data on their students’ progress, which then the supervising BCBA or educators can use to adjust the support as needed.
Why Choose a Career as a School RBT in NJ?
School RBTs are highly sought after in New Jersey, a state that highly emphasizes inclusivity. Being a school RBT in NJ means being a part of a supportive network of professionals who are dedicated to improving the lives of students with diverse needs. This field is particularly fulfilling for those who enjoy working with children and have a passion for fostering positive behavioral changes in an educational setting.
In New Jersey, schools generally have dedicated resources and funding to employ school RBTs to work alongside teachers, counselors, and special education teams. This collaboration allows for a holistic approach to student support. Additionally, an RBT certification is nationally recognized therefore once the certification is obtained, aspiring school RBTs have the ability to work anywhere.
Benefits of Working as a School RBT
A career as a school RBT offers a range of personal and professional rewards. Not only does it provide an opportunity to make a positive impact, but it also offers growth potential within the field as RBTs can eventually pursue a BCBA certification or other advanced credentials. This role fosters a unique blend of skills including, but not limited to, patience, empathy, analytical thinking, and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with other professionals.
Conclusion
So, what is a school RBT? In short, it’s a rewarding career where professionals leave a positive impact on students who need behavioral support. For those considering a role as a school RBT in NJ, the opportunities are vast and fulfilling. Whether you’re just starting in behavior therapy or looking to transition into an educational role, working as a school-based RBT could be the ideal career path for you. If you’re looking for an RBT job in NJ, send us your resume or take a look at our current open jobs!
