Behavior Assistant

Position Summary

The Behavior Assistant provides direct support to students by promoting safety, emotional regulation, and daily functioning within the classroom environment. This role assists with implementing behavior interventions, including CPI strategies, to help students maintain or return to baseline and ensure a safe learning setting. Responsibilities include supporting and teaching daily living skills while collaborating with staff to meet individual student needs. The position also involves collecting and documenting behavioral and student data throughout the day to monitor progress. Overall, the role contributes to a structured, supportive environment that fosters student well-being and success.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and supervision to students to promote safety, emotional regulation, and engagement in the educational environment.
• Implement behavior intervention strategies and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) techniques to help students maintain or return to baseline behavior.
• Assist students in developing daily living, social, communication, and functional skills that support independence and success.
• Collaborate with teachers, related service providers, and other staff to implement individualized behavior and instructional plans.
• Monitor student behavior and progress, collecting and documenting data accurately and consistently throughout the school day.
• Support students during instructional, recreational, community-based, and transition activities as assigned.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment for students and staff.
• Communicate respectfully and effectively with students, families, and team members regarding student needs and progress.
• Assist with classroom routines, student supervision, hygiene and toileting needs, and other activities that support student learning and well-being.
• Perform other functions as assigned.

These functions and responsibilities are judged to be "essential functions" in terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions that may be performed by such a person.

Employment Qualifications

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate’s degree, and training and specialized certification / licensing preferred.

Experience:

One (1) to three (3) years of related experience preferred. Experience working in a K–12 school or educational setting with students with differing abilities, cognitive impairments, and/or various behavioral needs is preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Certificates, Licenses, and/or Registrations:

Current Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification is required, or must be obtained within ninety (90) days of hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Knowledge of behavior support strategies and positive behavior intervention techniques.
• Ability to implement CPI strategies and maintain student and staff safety during challenging situations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with students and staff.
• Ability to teach and reinforce daily living, social, and functional skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to collect, document, and maintain accurate student and behavioral data.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use electronic data collection and documentation systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and professional in challenging situations.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and complete required documentation in a timely manner.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to perform physical activities associated with supporting children, youth, and/or adult students in educational settings, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, and moving between floor-level and standing positions.
• Ability to safely assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, personal care, and behavioral support needs as required by assigned duties.
• Ability to lift, move, or support students, equipment, and instructional materials. Physical demands vary by assignment and student needs and may include lifting or assisting individuals weighing up to 100 pounds or more, with the use of mechanical lifts, transfer devices, and team-lift procedures when appropriate.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The qualifications listed above are guidelines for selection purposes; alternative qualifications may be substituted if sufficient to perform the duties of the job. Job functions are to be performed in-person unless as otherwise approved by supervisor.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. This is not a virtual position.

Compensation:

• Pay: Hourly range of $21.99-$25.13 commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Schedule: Full-time school-year lenght balanced calendar of 190 days.
• Benefits: Full benefits package, inlcuding health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. MPSERS provided retirement plan.
• View a detailed breakdown of our benefits. View our insurance costs.

ADA:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Ottawa Area ISD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please visit oaisd.org for more information.