WW: At-Risk Instructional Assistant (providing behavioral support), up to 2.0 hrs/day (2 positions available)

Westwoods Elementary School; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Westwoods Elementary School in Traverse City, MI is seeking an At-Risk Instructional Assistant to provide behavioral support for students during classroom, playground, and office activities. The role reports to the building principal and supports MTSS through targeted interventions and data tracking.

Responsibilities include assisting with daily needs, de-escalation, and collaboration with teachers, social workers, and specialists.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: high school diploma; college credit, WorkKeys, or a degree preferred.
• Interpersonal skills to work with students and staff.
• Experience with children preferred.
• Ability to de-escalate crises and support behavioral needs.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to follow directions and work independently.
• Maintain sensitive information per FERPA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with daily needs and behaviors.
• De-escalate and implement behavioral interventions as directed.
• Support teachers and specialists with strategies and documentation.
• Assist with activities across classroom, playground, and office.
• Document progress and participate in MTSS and planning meetings.

Skills

Student support

De-escalation

Behavioral modeling

Record keeping

Independent work

Conflict resolution

Crises response

Lifting 50 lbs

Communication

Observation

Education

High school diploma

Job description

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WW: At-Risk Instructional Assistant (providing behavioral support), up to 2.0 hrs/day (2 positions available)

Traverse City Area Public Schools Westwoods Elementary School - Traverse City, Michigan Open in Google Maps.

Job Details

Job ID: 5978209

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 30, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Nov 16, 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: Westwoods Elementary 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: Part 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]

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