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

West Middle School; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

West Middle School in Traverse City, Michigan, is seeking an At-Risk Instructional Assistant to support students with behavioral needs in the classroom, during recess, and on field trips. You will collaborate with teachers and specialists to implement behavioral strategies and track progress, reporting to the building principal.

Requirements include a high school diploma, willingness to attend trainings, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; college credit preferred.
• Experience working with children.
• Ability to manage crises and de-escalate.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with daily needs and mobility in classroom, playground, and office.
• Support de-escalation and behavioral interventions.
• Model appropriate behavior and reinforce strategies.
• Assist with small and large group instructional activities.
• Chaperone on field trips and participate in planning meetings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Experience with children

Crisis de-escalation

Record keeping

Lift 50 pounds

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Traverse City Area Public Schools West Middle School - Traverse City, Michigan Open in Google Maps

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

Traverse City Area Public Schools West Middle School - Traverse City, Michigan Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Oct 26, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Nov 18, 2026

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 (180working 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.

Position Type: Full Time, School Year
Salary: $16.56 to $20.56 Per Hour, previous public school experience
Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Human Resources
• 1009 S Oak Street
• Traverse City, Michigan 49684
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

Map

The content you submit, offer, contribute, attach, post, or display (each a “Submission”) will be viewed by other users of the service who may or may not be accurately representing who they are or who they represent. Do not include any sensitive data in your submissions. Any submission or any use or reliance on any content or materials posted via the service or obtained by you through the use of the service is at your own risk. “Sensitive data” for purposes of this section means social security or other government-issued identification numbers, medical or health information, account security information, individual financial account information, credit/debit/gift or other payment card information, account passwords, individual credit and income information or any other sensitive personal data as defined under applicable laws.