Behavior Coach

Kent Intermediate School District; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 79,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid sick leave

Paid personal days

Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

Kent Intermediate School District is seeking a Behavior Coach in Grand Rapids, MI. This full-time, 200-day position focuses on embedding coaching and consultation to strengthen school staff in implementing inclusive and trauma-informed behavior supports.

The role centers on staff development, collaborative problem-solving, and systems change, with emphasis on adult learning and equitable participation for students with high support needs.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in a related field.
• BCBA certification is preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience supporting students with extensive behavioral and social-emotional needs in educational settings.
• Experience coaching educators and leading professional development.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct, side-by-side coaching to educators to strengthen implementation of proactive behavior supports.
• Co-develop coaching plans with staff teams including goals, modeling, data review, and feedback.
• Embed individualized behavior supports within the instructional environment.
• Collaborate with families to strengthen shared understanding of student needs and MTSS practices.

Skills

Coaching educators

Adult learning

Staff collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, Behavior Analysis, or related field

BCBA certification preferred

Job description

Behavior Coach

Kent Intermediate School District Educational Service Center - Grand Rapids, Michigan

Job Details

Job ID: 5955854
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Oct 09, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Nov 2, 2026

Job Description

Behavior Coach

Kent ISD

Full time,200 day year-round position

Non-Union Professional,8 hours per day

BROAD STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Behavior Coach provides embedded coaching and consultation to strengthen the capacity of school staff—teachers, support personnel, and leaders—to implement effective, inclusive, and trauma-assumed behavior supports. This position focuses on staff development, collaborative problem-solving, and systems change, rather than direct student service. By centering adult learning and professional growth, the Behavior Coach helps ensure students—particularly those with high support needs—receive support that affirms their autonomy and promotes their meaningful participation in the least restrictive environment.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Coaching and Implementation Support

• Provide direct, side-by-side coaching to educators, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to strengthen the implementation of proactive, instructional, and function-based behavior supports.
• Co-develop coaching plans with staff teams that include goal setting, modeling, data review, and reflective feedback aligned with student-centered outcomes.
• Support staff in embedding individualized behavior supports within the broader instructional environment.
• Partner with staff to co-design strategies that promote student regulation, self-advocacy, and engagement in learning.

Collaboration and Consultation

• Consult with local districts, regional, and center-based programs on implementation of behavior supports within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
• Support student-centered IEP processes by guiding staff in developing meaningful, function-based goals and engaging in Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) decision-making.
• Collaborate with families and community partners to strengthen shared understanding of student needs, priorities, and strengths.
• Respond to coaching referrals and requests in collaboration with internal ISD teams.

Professional Learning and Leadership

• Design and facilitate adult learning experiences at the county, district, and building levels to enhance implementation of inclusive behavior supports.
• Provide sustained follow-up coaching and technical assistance to promote integration of new strategies into everyday practice.
• Build staff capacity to analyze and use data from Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP), and other sources to inform planning and decision-making.
• Share evidence-based resources and frameworks aligned with neuro-affirming and trauma-informed practices.

Systems Alignment and Compliance

• Support the development of school and district systems that promote inclusive, values-aligned behavior support practices.
• Attend relevant local, regional, and state meetings as assigned.
• Ensure alignment with IDEA, MARSE, and Kent ISD policies in the design and delivery of behavioral supports.
• Perform other duties as directed by the supervisor.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, Behavior Analysis, or related field required.
• Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ successful experience supporting students with extensive behavioral and social-emotional support needs in educational settings.
• Demonstrated experience in coaching educators, facilitating adult learning, or leading professional development.
• Strong knowledge of functional behavior assessment (including Practical Functional Assessment), behavior support planning (including Skill-Based Teaching), and instructional approaches aligned with neurodiversity and trauma-informed care.
• Deep commitment to inclusive education, anti-ableist practices, and student autonomy.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills to build trusting relationships and promote educator growth.
• Working knowledge of IDEA, MARSE, and related regulations.
• Training in Ukeru, Safety Care, CPI or similar de-escalation framework is preferred.

Benefits: Robust benefit package includes full medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid sick and personal days; State of Michigan School Employment retirement program; Kent ISD is a participating employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF/ SAVE plan) for eligible Federal student loans.

Salary:200 days per year. Grade 7.

Step 1-Step 3 = $79,236-$82,438/year

Salary steps are commensurate with experience and education.

Please note, due to the large number of applications, we are unable to attend to e-mail or telephone inquiries on application status.

The final candidate for this position will be required (at their cost) to furnish Kent Intermediate School District with a current Michigan State Police and FBI criminal records LiveScan check prior to our recommendation to hire.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Alternative requirements that may be appropriate and acceptable to the School Board may be considered. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex (including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related condition), age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment. The Coordinator for Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act and Title II is: Dave Rodgers, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $79,236 to $82,438 Per Year
Job Categories:
Special Education > Behavior Specialist / EBD

Contact Information

• Human Resources
• Educational Service Center
• Phone: [phone]