Specialized Behavior Assistant
Summary
Provide one-on-one or small-group behavioral support to students with special needs, using de-escalation and trauma-informed techniques while collaborating with teachers and families.
The Lansing School District serves over 10,000 PreK-12 students across 25 school buildings in the increasingly diverse urban community of Lansing, MI. We are unique compared to other districts because of the wide variety of exciting and innovative educational options from which families and staff members can choose. All of Lansing School District’s team members are dedicated to our mission to provide an excellent education to all students in a safe and nurturing environment.
In pursuit of this mission, we are looking to hire for a Specialized Assistant role. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive learning environment where every student thrives. As a Specialized Behavior Assistant, you will work closely with students who require behavioral supports, collaborating with teachers, behavior specialists, and families to help each child reach their educational and social goals.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate's Degree
- 60 completed college credits
- Proof of passing the ETS Paraprofessional Exam
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working with students in small group and RTI settings
- Understanding of how to read and understand a student's IEP
- Desire to become a certified teacher long term
Job Responsibilities
- Provide one-on one or small-group behavioral support to students with varying needs (e.g. ASD, emotional impairment, cognitive challenges)
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to support behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
- Monitor and collect data on student behavior, documenting progress with fidelity and consistency
- Use de-escalation strategies, positive behavior support techniques, and trauma-informed practices to maintain safe and inclusive environments
- Support instruction and academic engagement through structured prompts, reinforcement, and assistive strategies
- Communicate regularly with teachers, specialists, and families regarding student progress and challenges
- Assist with transitions, social skill development, and fostering positive peer interactions
- Participate in relevant team meetings (e.g. IEP meetings, Behavior Team reviews)
Work Environment & Physical Demands
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.
- Must be able to stand, walk, and move quickly between indoor and outdoor settings for extended periods.
- Regularly required to bend, kneel, crouch, and assist with physical transfers or interventions involving students.
- Must be able to lift, push, or carry up to 50 pounds as needed.
- Frequent verbal communication is required to support students, coordinate with staff, and manage emergent situations.
- Occasional use of computers, radios, and other communication or documentation tools.
- May be exposed to noise, weather conditions, and other elements associated with a school environment.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
At Lansing School District, we champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or sexual orientation. We foster a rich environment for professional growth and student experiences by valuing diverse perspectives. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite passionate individuals dedicated to educational excellence to apply for our positions.
We value internal mobility and list "Strong Internal Candidate" when considering an internal candidate before posting a job. We still encourage all candidates to apply.
Complete the attached online application at your earliest convenience. If selected, we will contact you to set up an interview. While we strive to provide prompt feedback, the high volume of applicants may limit our ability to do so. All of our jobs will be posted for at least 10 days (unless otherwise noted), but we will review applications on a rolling basis.
External candidates interested in multiple positions within the same department need only apply to one posting and can indicate other roles of interest in the final question. We will consider your application for various roles based on your qualifications.
Internal candidates should apply using their SSO email address and submit separate applications for each role of interest.
Thank you for your interest in joining our mission-driven team. We look forward to meeting you!
This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of duties, and the Lansing School District reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed. Due to the evolving needs of the District, additional job responsibilities may be assigned (depending on funding sources).