Behavior Assistant

Ottawa Area Center; Allendale Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Public school retirement system

Job summary

Ottawa Area Center (OAISD) is seeking a Behavior Assistant to provide targeted behavioral support in classroom settings in alignment with IEPs and positive behavior plans.

The BA will receive training from the Behavior Consultant and work under the classroom teacher to support students’ academic and behavioral goals.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Experience with students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments and behaviors.
• CPR/First Aid Training required or will be provided.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training required or will be provided.
• RBT Certification is NOT required.
• Completed coursework in special education, child development, and/or applied behavior analysis is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted behavioral support to students per IEP and behavior plans.
• Maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning and student safety.
• Collaborate with teachers, Behavior Consultants, and related service providers.
• Observe, collect, and report student behavioral data.
• Assist students in developing functional communication, social skills, and self-regulation.
• Assist with adaptive swimming and pool activities for physical well-being.
• Support community integration by transporting students to local venues and community activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Positive relationships with students

Follow behavior intervention plans

Crisis response

Observation & documentation

Team collaboration

Adaptive swimming support

Education

High school diploma

Special education coursework

CPR/First Aid training

CPI training

Job description

Behavior Assistant

Ottawa Area ISD Ottawa Area Center - Allendale, Michigan Open in Google Maps

Job Details

• Job ID: 5575226
• Application Deadline: Posted until filled
• Posted: Mar 09, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Identification:

• Job Title: Behavior Assistant
• School: Ottawa Area Center (OAC)
• Reports to: OAC Director
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Job Summary: The Behavior Assistant (BA) will provide targeted behavioral support to students in the classroom setting in compliance with their individualized education plan (IEP) and positive behavior support plan. Support may also be provided in community settings, including other transition programs within the OAISD.

The BA will receive specialized training to provide behavioral interventions through training videos and direct training from the Behavior Consultant (BC). The Behavior Assistant will engage in all classroom duties as assigned by the classroom teacher. This includes personal care, behavioral support, and instructional support for the assigned student.

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide targeted behavioral support to students in accordance with their IEP.
• Assist with maintaining a classroom environment conducive to learning while ensuring student safety.
• Collaborate with teachers, Behavior Consultants, and related service providers to support student goals.
• Assist with observing, collecting, and reporting student behavioral data.
• Assist students in developing functional communication, social skills, and self-regulation strategies.
• Foster student physical well-being by assisting with adaptive swimming and pool activities
• Promote community integration by safely transporting students to local venues providing direct support with community based activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma required.
• Experience working with students with moderate to severe cognitive impairments and behaviors.
• Completed coursework in special education, child development, and/or applied behavior analysis is preferred.
• CPR/First Aid Training required or will be provided.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training required or will be provided.
• RBT Certification is NOT required.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to build positive relationships with students who have complex behavioral and developmental needs.
• Ability to follow behavior intervention plans with consistency and fidelity.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in crisis or high-stress situations.
• Strong observation and documentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and move throughout the school day.
• Ability to respond to behavioral crises according to CPI training.
• Moderate to heavy lifting required (up to 75 pounds) with or without mechanical assistance.
• Frequent movement between classrooms and locations within the center as required.

Compensation and Employment Details:

• Compensation: $21.99 to $25.13 per hour commensurate with experience
• Schedule: Full-time school-year length balanced calendar of 190 days per year
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance with the option for cash-in-lieu of insurance. Participation in the Michigan public school retirement system.

Notices:

Job Description Changes: Job descriptions may be subject to change based on the OAISD’s needs. This is meant to describe a basic overview of qualifications, role, and duties. It is not an exhaustive or fully comprehensive list as other duties may be assigned.

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment. Civil Rights Coordinators are located at OAISD, 13663 Port Sheldon St. Holland, MI 49424 to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures. Telephone [phone] Ext: 4091.

Special Education > Excessive Needs/Severe/Profound Disabilities

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $21.99 to $25.13 Per Hour

Job Requirements

• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• OAISD Human Resources Department
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]