WMS: At-Risk Instructional Assistant (providing behavioral support), 7.0 hrs/day

Traverse City Area Public Schools; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Traverse City Area Public Schools is hiring an At-Risk Instructional Assistant at West Middle School to support students in classrooms, at play, and during meals. You will implement behavioral strategies, record progress, and collaborate with teachers and specialists to maintain a calm, safe environment.

The role requires a high school diploma and a background in working with children, with training in crisis de-escalation.

Qualifications

• Minimum education is a high school diploma.
• Ability to interact respectfully with students and staff.
• Experience with children and crisis de-escalation skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and move about classrooms.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with daily needs and behavioral supports.
• De-escalate behaviors and implement guidance strategies.
• Model appropriate behavior in multiple school settings.
• Support with interventions and MTSS team planning.
• Attend trainings and maintain accurate behavioral records.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Experience with children

Crisis de-escalation

Stamina and endurance

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Education

High school diploma

Job description

CLASSIFICATION IV

Master Agreement

TCCAPSA Benefits Summary - School Year

Retirement Benefits

At-Risk Instructional Assistant

Classification: TC CAPSA, Class IV

Status: 2026/27 school year (180 working days + 9 paid holidays)

Directly Reports: Building Principal

Location: West Middle School

General Summary

The Behavioral Assistant works as part of a team to provide assistance to students in the classroom, playground and main office by providing interventions and strategies to students that are experiencing behavioral/emotional needs. The Behavioral Assistant collaborates with school personnel regarding the implementation of various behavioral strategies and interventions. This position reports to the building principal.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Assists student(s) with daily needs, ensuring sensitivity to the student’s needs and conditions.
• Assists with handling student behaviors, including de-escalation and interventions.
• Guides students and provides appropriate behavioral modeling in a variety of settings.
• Provides behavioral interventions to assigned student(s) while assisting the teacher(s), social workers/behavioral specialists/behavioral interventionists, with implementation of various strategies and interventions.
• Assists student(s) in physical education, music, art, at lunch and recess, as needed.
• Assists with small group non-direct instruction.
• Assists with large group non-direct instruction.
• Serves as a witness for medication administration, if requested.
• Accompanies student(s) on field trips.
• Takes part in planning meetings.
• Attends training or in-services.
• Implements formal Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and IEP-related behavioral goals.
• Tracks student progress and records detailed behavioral data.
• Participates in Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and problem-solving team meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned and allowable under grant funding.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Minimum education requirement is a high school diploma. Previous college credit, WorkKeys certification or college degree preferred.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively and courteously with students and school personnel.
• Previous experience working with children.
• Skills in crises and rapidly developing behavioral needs of students.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to assist with maintaining records of student progress.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to resolve conflict.
• Dependable, reliable, and protective of sensitive/confidential information in compliance with FERPA guidelines.
• Willingness to attend training.
• Ability to remain calm under stressful situations.
• Ability to care for, supervise, and nurture children.
• Familiarity with or training in crisis de-escalation frameworks (such as CPI or PBIS).

Physical And Mental Requirements

• Must be able to report on a regular and consistent basis.
• Maintain consistent and punctual attendance.
• Duties include frequent walking and physical activity, as well as use of hands and arms for signaling and light lifting/carrying. Must have the ability to move about the classroom/building and school property, including bending, pushing/pulling, lifting, twisting, climbing, stooping, or crouching to complete work-related tasks with and without students.
• The ability to listen and effectively orally communicate information and ideas to a diverse population.
• Ability to effectively discern information and formulate appropriate action(s).
• Ability to critically think and provide appropriate solutions.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently.

Environmental Conditions

Work is typically performed in indoor environments featuring moderate to elevated noise levels. Tasks may require working in varied conditions, including cold or heat, and navigating slippery or uneven ground. The work environment involves regular contact and interaction with students, educational equipment, and general office machinery.

Work Schedules

Must be available to report during the school year consistent with the district’s school year calendar.

Background Checks

The individual selected for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check.