Program Assistant One to One - Bert Goens Learning Center

Learning Center; Lawrence (MI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Bert Goens Learning Center is seeking a dedicated One-to-One Student Support to provide individualized assistance for a student within our center-based special education program in Lawrence, MI.

This role suits a patient, reliable candidate who can work with a student requiring high levels of physical support and help them access instruction and communicate needs, developing greater independence throughout the day.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; associates degree preferred.
• Two years of experience as a Program Assistant or similar role preferred.
• Specialized training in CPI/TCI or crisis prevention preferred.
• Knowledge of autism, significant disabilities or challenging behaviors.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 support and supervision during the school day.
• Maintain awareness of the student's location, safety and needs.
• Support safe participation in classroom, vocational, community and school activities.
• Implement strategies from the student's IEP and behavior support plan.
• Support communication, transitions, self-regulation and functional independence.
• Collaborate with teachers and support teams to maintain consistent programming.

Skills

1:1 support

Behavior management

Communication

Teamwork

Patience

CPI/TCI training

Education

High School diploma

Associates degree / 60 credit hours preferred

Job description

Program Assistant One to One - Bert Goens Learning Center

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

Job Details

Job ID: 5938917

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 24, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Oct 12, 2026

Job Description

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.

Position is open until filled.

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]