Program Assistant, One-on-One Learning

Michigan

Date Posted : 09-24-2026

Number of Openings : 1

Employment Type : Full Time

About the Employer

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.

Ideal Candidate

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

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.

Implementing Individualized Behavioral and Instructional Strategies

Ability to implement individualized behavioral and instructional strategies with consistency and fidelity.

Positive Behavior Support and Proactive Strategies

Strong understanding of positive behavior support, proactive strategies, and relationship-based practices.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Possess good communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.

Teamwork and Collaboration

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.

Physical Activity and Energy Level

Willingness to take directions and follow-through with teacher and team decisions. High-energy and comfortable being physically active throughout the day.

Provide Consistent 1:1 Support and Supervision

Provide consistent 1:1 support and supervision throughout the school day.

Maintain Student Safety and Awareness

Maintain close awareness of the student's location, safety, and needs.

Participate in Classroom and School Activities

Support safe participation in classroom, vocational, community, and school-wide activities.

Implement Individualized Plans

Implement strategies outlined in the student's IEP, behavior support plan, and other individualized plans.

Support Communication and Transitions

Support communication, transitions, self-regulation, and functional independence.

Prevent Escalation and Promote Participation

Use proactive strategies to prevent escalation and promote successful participation.

Collect and Communicate Student Data

Collect and communicate relevant student data and observations.

Assist with Academic and Functional Activities

Assist with academic, functional, sensory, and movement-based activities.

Support Alternative Behaviors

Support the student in learning appropriate alternatives to unsafe or challenging behaviors.

Collaborate with Staff and Teachers

Work collaboratively with the classroom teacher, related service providers, behavior team, and other staff.

Maintain a Calm Approach

Maintain a calm, positive, and respectful approach during challenging situations.

Follow Safety Procedures

Follow all district safety procedures, crisis response protocols, and required training.

Attend Evening Activities

Attend all evening and after-school activities as they pertain to the learning center program.

Demonstrate Reliability

Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality.

Maintain Confidentiality

Demonstrate ethical handling of confidential student and parent information.

Adhere to Policies and Procedures

Adhere to Van Buren ISD policies and procedures.

Complete Assigned Responsibilities

Complete assigned responsibilities within agreed-upon or established timelines.

Perform Additional Duties

Perform other duties as assigned by the learning center principal.

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 timelines. 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.

How to Apply

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 Status

Position is open until filled.

Internal Application

In-house staff must fill out the online internal application.

Apply

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