Program Assistant One to One - Bert Goens Learning Center

Van-Buren-Intermediate-School-District; Lawrence Township (MI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Buren ISD is seeking a dedicated Program Assistant One to One for Bert Goens Learning Center in Lawrence, Michigan. The role focuses on providing individualized 1:1 student support within a center-based special education program.

The ideal candidate will be patient, energetic, and capable of working with students who require significant physical support, helping them access instruction and develop independence while maintaining safety and collaboration with school staff.

Qualifications

• High School diploma required.
• Associates degree or completion of two years' college equal to 60 semester hours preferred.
• Two years of experience in a program assistant or similar role preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide consistent 1:1 support and supervision throughout 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 outlined in the student's IEP and behavior support plan.
• Communicate and collaborate with teachers and staff.

Skills

1:1 support

Behavior support

Team communication

Autism support

CPI/TCI training

Education

High School diploma

Associates degree or 60 college hours

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

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

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]