Program Assistant - Bert Goens Learning Center

Learning Center; Lawrence (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Buren Intermediate School District Learning Center in Lawrence, MI is seeking a Program Assistant to support classroom teachers in delivering instructional programs. The role focuses on students with diverse needs, including autism, and requires collaboration, reliability, and adherence to behavior plans.

The position involves assisting with lesson implementation, data collection, and coordination of student activities, with expectations of professional communication with staff and

Qualifications

• Education: High School diploma required.
• AA degree or 60 college credits preferred.
• Two years’ experience as a program assistant or CPI/TCI training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Follow teacher directions and lesson plans for group and one-on-one programming.
• Assist in classroom preparation and organization for instructional activities.
• Monitor and record student progress toward objectives.
• Assist students with personal needs (e.g., toileting, dressing).
• Implement procedures and collect data on their effectiveness.
• Provide feedback to the teacher regarding students and programming.
• Communicate with teachers and staff about student concerns.
• Attend evening and after-school activities as needed.
• Attend IEPTs, screenings and staff meetings.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality.

Skills

Autism support

Language support

Daily living skills

Behavior management

Communication skills

Team player

Confidentiality

Restraint procedures

Education

High School diploma

AA degree / 60 credits

Job description

Program Assistant - Bert Goens Learning Center

Van Buren Intermediate School District LEARNING CENTER - Lawrence, Michigan Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Van Buren Intermediate School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5917606
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 08, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Sep 21, 2026

Job Description

Job Goal(s):

The overall job goal of the Resource Room Program Assistant is to work with the classroom teacher in carrying out the instructional program for each student in the assigned class.

Location of Work:

Bert Goens Learning Center

705 South Paw Paw Street

Lawrence, MI 49064

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’ experience as a program assistant or specialized training (CPI/TCI) preferred.

Skills :

• Ability to work with students on the autism spectrum
• Ability to work with students with low ability and deficits in language/ comprehension, daily living skills, and all academic areas
• 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 behavior modification program
• 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
• Willingness to function on a team providing education to students with severe cognitive deficits and challenging behaviors
• Physical ability to do proper restraints and holds

Essential Job Functions:

• Demonstrate effective instructional behaviors.
• Demonstrate effective classroom and behavior management skills.
• Follow teacher direction and written lesson plans in programming on a group and one-on-one basis.
• Assist teacher in classroom preparation for instructional and organization.
• Assist in monitoring and maintaining records of student’s progress toward objectives.
• Assist students with personal needs (i.e., toileting, dressing, etc.).
• Assist in development of procedures; implement and collect data regarding their effectiveness.
• Provide constructive feedback to teacher regarding students, programming and teacher performance.
• Consult/team/communicate effectively with others.
• Deliver students to appropriate locations, on time, for programming or bus.
• Attend all evening and after school activities as they pertain to the Learning Center program.
• Participate in IEPTs, screenings and staff meetings.
• Demonstrate reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrate ethical handling of confidential student and parent information.
• Possible participation on the Crisis Intervention Team.
• 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

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.

Position is open until filled.

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

Position Type: Regular

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Van Buren HR
• 490 South Paw Paw St.
• Lawrence, Michigan 49064
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]