About this role
Job Goal(s): Bert Goens Learning Center is seeking a dedicated and energetic One-to-One Student Support to provide individualized support to a student within our center-based special education program. This position is ideal for someone who is patient, comfortable keeping pace with an active student, dependable, and comfortable working with students who require a high level of physical support. The successful candidate will build a trusting relationship with the student while helping them access instruction, communicate their needs, participate in school routines, and develop greater independence. Location of Work: Bert Goens Learning Center 705 South Paw Paw Street Lawrence, MI 49064 Hours to Work: M-F 7:45-2:45 Minimum Qualifications: Education: High School diploma required Associates degree or completion of two years' college equal to 60 semester hours is preferred. Work Experience:
• Two years of experience working as a Program Assistant, or in a similar student-support role preferred.
• Specialized training in CPI, TCI, or other crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques preferred.
• Knowledge and experience supporting students with autism, significant disabilities, and/or challenging behaviors.
Skills:
• Ability to implement individualized behavioral and instructional strategies with consistency and fidelity.
• Strong understanding of positive behavior support, proactive strategies, and relationship-based practices.
• Ability to maintain a calm, patient, and supportive approach while responding to high-energy or challenging situations
• Ability to implement consistent proactive behavior management skills as directed by classroom teacher
• Possess good communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as a member of a team providing a coordinated and consistent programming
• Ability to maintain open communication channels with teachers and staff and keep them informed of program and students concerns/observations
• Willingness to take directions and follow-through with teacher and team decisions
• High-energy and comfortable being physically active throughout the day
Essential Job Functions:
• Provide consistent 1:1 support and supervision throughout the school day
• Maintain close awareness of the student's location, safety, and needs
• Support safe participation in classroom, vocational, community, and school-wide activities
• Implement strategies outlined in the student's IEP, behavior support plan, and other individualized plans
• Support communication, transitions, self-regulation, and functional independence
• Use proactive strategies to prevent escalation and promote successful participation
• Collect and communicate relevant student data and observations
• Assist with academic, functional, sensory, and movement-based activities
• Support the student in learning appropriate alternatives to unsafe or challenging behaviors
• Work collaboratively with the classroom teacher, related service providers, behavior team, and other staff
• Maintain a calm, positive, and respectful approach during challenging situations
• Follow all district safety procedures, crisis response protocols, and required trainin
• Attend all evening and after school activities as they pertain to the Learning Center program
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrate ethical handling of confidential student and parent information.
• Adhere to Van Buren ISD policies and procedures.
• Complete assigned responsibilities within agreed upon or established timelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Learning Center Principal
• Valid drivers license required.
General Responsibilities:
• Lead by example using VBISD guiding principles: Respect, Integrity, Compassion, and Excellence.
• Adhere to policies and procedures of the Van Buren ISD
• Complete assigned responsibilities within agreed upon time lines.
• Perform additional tasks, responsibilities and duties as assigned by the Principal, Director of Special Education and the Superintendent.
Terms of Employment: As per master agreement and provisions established by the Van Buren Board of Education. This posting and our online application can be found on the Van Buren ISD's website at www.vbisd.org under Employment. If you do not have access to a computer with internet access, you may use a computer at VBISD by calling 269-539-5218. Position is open until filled. In-house staff must fill out the online internal application.