ABA Behavior Technician — EnCourage Institute for Teaching and Learning

At EnCourage Institute, we believe every child and adult deserves thoughtful, high-quality care — and we're looking for people who believe that too.

We're hiring full and part-time ABA Behavior Technicians to provide one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for clients diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ages 18 months to adult. Sessions take place in homes, at our clinic, and out in the community. We've been serving families since 2010, and we're proud of the team and culture we've built.

Why Join Us:

• At EnCourage Institute, we believe every child and adult deserves thoughtful, high-quality care — and we're looking for people who believe that too.High quality supervision — you won't be left to figure it out on your own
• Small but mighty — you'll know your colleagues and your clients
• Fieldwork hours provided to gain the experience needed to become an outside-of-the-box thinker

Role Description The Behavior Technician is a full-time/part-time, on-site role based in Grand Rapids, MI. This team member delivers direct behavior intervention services under the supervision of a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Day-to-day responsibilities include implementing individualized treatment plans, collecting and recording data on client progress, and using evidence-based strategies to support skill development and reduce challenging behaviors. The Behavior Technician will collaborate with supervisors and colleagues, participate in team meetings and trainings, and communicate regularly with caregivers and other professionals to support consistent implementation of interventions. The role also includes maintaining a safe, respectful, and engaging environment that reflects the organization’s whole-person, strengths-based approach.

What You'll Do:

• Work one-on-one with clients in a safe, fun, and engaging way
• Implement therapy plans developed by your BCBA and meet regularly for supervision and support
• Collect data and complete treatment notes accurately and on time
• Build real relationships with families through ongoing communication and collaboration
• Manage challenging behaviors with confidence — we'll help you get there
• Keep growing through regular training opportunities

What We're Looking For:

• High school diploma/GED required; college enrollment in education or psychology preferred
• Bachelor's degree in psychology, education, or a child-related field is a plus
• Experience with kids. teens and adults or neurodivergent individuals in home, school, camp, or similar settings in benficial.
• RBT certified or working toward it — we provide training if you're just starting out
• A genuine interest in child development and autism intervention
• Reliable transportation and ability to pass a background check
• Effective Communication skills, including clear, professional interaction with clients, caregivers, and team members, and accurate documentation of services.
• Ability to follow clinical direction, accept feedback, and adapt to individualized client needs within a structured, data-driven framework.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, behavior analysis, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with children, adolescents, or neurodivergent individuals in educational, therapeutic, or community settings is beneficial.
• Capacity to perform the physical aspects of the role, which may include sitting on the floor, moving quickly with clients, and managing materials in a classroom or clinic setting.
• Commitment to inclusive, person-centered, and culturally responsive practice; reliability, professionalism, and strong organizational skills.

Compensation: $16–$23/hour based on experience and RBT certification. Full and part-time available

Ready to Apply? We'd love to hear from you. Email Rebecca Zwart at [email protected] or call us at 616-530-2224. Send a cover letter, resume, and three references — we review applications as they come in, so don't wait!

Education Intervention Specialist/Teacher

EnCourage Institute for Teaching and Learning, a local educational, developmental and behavioral therapy clinic is looking for a teacher to join our growing educational therapy program. EnCourage Institute provides a variety of interventions for children with learning disabilities, developmental delays, cognitive impairments, hearing impairments or other learning needs. The teacher will join an experienced and talented team of teachers who have many years of diverse experiences in clinical and educational settings.

We are looking for a certified teacher who is interested in providing individualized interventions to K-12 students. A successful candidate will have either a teaching certificate in Michigan or other state and/or a degree in reading, math, speech and language, special education or a related field. Preference will be given to candidates who have Orton-Gillingham training/certification. Training in specific interventions used with our clients and the Educational Therapy perspective for interventions will be provided and is not required.

The position responsibilities include providing one-on-one intervention services, preparation and record-keeping, collaboration with students’ parents, school and teachers, and participation in staffing and other institute activities.

Qualifications:

• A teaching certificate in Elementary, Secondary or Special Education, or progress toward certification in a teacher preparation program; certification in Speech and Language Pathology will be considered.
• A desire to develop the skills needed to provide child-specific educational therapy interventions
• Ability to implement individual interventions commensurate with the treatment plan designed by the diagnostician at EnCourage
• Preference will be given to candidates who also have training in Orton-Gillingham or other research-based interventions in reading, writing, or mathematics
• Commitment to working with cross-disciplinary intervention specialists, parents, school teachers
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Availability in the after school and early evening hours and during the summer months at either EnCourage location is required, with additional hours available during the day preferred
• Ability to pass a state and federal background check

Appointment: This is a part time hourly position with potential for expanding to a full time hourly position. Pay is commensurate with education, expertise, and experience.

Application Procedure: To request an application, email Rebecca Zwart, Office Manager, at [email protected] or call the EnCourage Institute office at 616-530-2224. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants will be asked to submit a cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the position, a resume or curriculum vita, and three letters of recommendation.