Open to opportunities

Jacob Rivers

@jacobrivers

Behavior Specialist with 4+ years guiding students’ emotional regulation through de-escalation, documentation, and tailored intervention plans.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a role in special education or mental health support where I can help create safe, structured, therapeutic environments, implement behavior intervention plans, and use de-escalation and strong documentation to support ongoing care planning.

I’m a dedicated and compassionate Behavioral Specialist with 4+ years of experience supporting individuals with behavioral and emotional needs in structured environments. I focus on implementing behavior intervention plans that improve safety, emotional regulation, and positive behavior reinforcement.

In my current role, I develop and implement behavior intervention plans with special education staff, maintain a therapeutic environment, and observe and document behavioral patterns to support ongoing assessment and care planning. I use de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies to manage aggressive or unsafe behaviors, while assisting students with daily routines and transitions to promote independence and stability.

Beyond direct support, I’ve led teams as an Athletic Coach & Supervisor and Director/Head Coach, supervising large groups and fostering positive, structured programming that encourages teamwork and emotional growth. I’m also currently pursuing a degree in Special Education and bring strong communication, patient/client interaction, and record-keeping skills to every setting.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Behavior Specialist

Current

Burrillville School Department

Aug 2022 - Present (3 years 9 months)

Develop and implement behavior intervention plans with special education staff to support students with emotional and behavioral challenges. Maintain a structured, therapeutic environment using observation, documentation, de-escalation, and crisis-intervention strategies.

Behavior Plans De Escalation Techniques Crisis Intervention Therapeutic Environment Support Behavioral Observation & Reporting Data Collection

Athletic Coach & Supervisor

Burrillville School Department

Nov 2022 - Jun 2025 (2 years 7 months)

Supervised large groups in high-energy athletic settings, ensuring safety and appropriate behavior. Responded to behavioral incidents with conflict resolution and de-escalation while collaborating with team staff to maintain supportive structures.

safety management Conflict Resolution De escalation Crisis Support Team Collaboration Behavioral Incident Response Positive Peer Interaction

Director/Head Coach

Burrillville Lightning Youth Wrestling Club

Apr 2021 - Aug 2023 (2 years 4 months)

Led youth group activities and structured programming to support participants’ emotional growth and teamwork. Managed scheduling, documentation, and family/staff communication to maintain a positive, structured environment.

Youth Program Leadership Scheduling coordination Communication Conflict Behavior Support Therapeutic Style Coaching Teamwork Emotional Growth Support

Sales & Service

Beacon Distributors

Aug 2021 - Aug 2022 (1 year)

Completed documentation for inventory and service orders while maintaining accurate records in a fast-paced environment. Communicated effectively with customers and team members, demonstrating strong organization and multitasking.

Inventory Documentation Record keeping Organizational Skills Multitasking Fast Paced Environment Sales Support

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Community College of Rhode Island

Associate of Arts, Social Services

Currently pursuing an Associate of Arts in Social Services, with coursework including educational and developmental psychology, helping and human services, sociology, composition, and mathematics.