OTTAWA AREA CENTER HOSTS JOB FAIRS FOR SCHOOL POSITIONS WORKING WITH STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Staff will be available to meet with candidates at Ottawa Area Center, located at 10160 96th Avenue in Allendale on:

• Wednesday, October 12                10:00 am – 1:00 pm
• Thursday, October 13                     3:30  – 5:30 pm
• Monday, October 17                       8:00 – 10:30 am

JoAnne Thorsen, Director for Ottawa Area Center, said the staff at OAC is more like family than coworkers. 

“At OAC we believe you are only as good as your team and we are all here for each other,” Thorsen said. “Everyone who works here is passionate about working with students with special needs and putting the students first.”

Thorsen added OAISD is very supportive of internal growth and encourages and supports continuing education for their employees through scholarships and financial aid.

“I started in 2003 and have grown into my current position as Director for OAC and love every minute of it,” Thorsen said. “Many of our paraprofessionals, who previously worked in assisted living facilities or other positions that allowed them to care for others, are now Certified Nursing Assistants thanks to scholarships offered through the district. We support our staff and encourage them to reach their goals!”

Along with tuition assistance and job growth, OAC offers health benefits from day one as well as retirement benefits.

Ottawa Area Center teachers require Michigan Teacher Certification in a Special Education area such as Severely Multiply Impaired (SXI), Cognitive Impairment (SA), Health Impaired (SC) etc. OAC offers financial assistance for continuing education to teachers certified in another specialty interested in pursuing a Special Education endorsement. 

Paraprofessional and teacher’s aide positions offer rewarding interaction with students in the classroom. Applicants must have at least a GED. Pay range is $14.50  to $17.00 per hour to start while maximum pay with longevity is around  $27.00 per hour.

Behavior assistants play a similar role as a paraprofessional or teacher’s aide. This role carries out and executes plans to support positive student behavior under the guidance of carefully designed plans individualized to student needs.  Employees start at $18.02 per hour and above.

Our progressive work culture is based on relationships, trust, collaboration, innovation, inclusivity and stewardship. If you’re looking for a rewarding career in a workplace that is team-oriented, and values open communication and employee input - a place where YOU can make a difference in others’ lives - we encourage you to check us out.  

If you are interested in a position at OAC and unable to attend one of the job fairs, please call OAC at (616) 738-8960. For more information, contact Rich Zuker at 616.738-8940 x4090 rzuker@oaisd.org   

Ottawa Area Center

The Ottawa Area Center is a service of Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) and serves the unique educational needs of students ages 3 – 26 who have cognitive impairments. Dedicated teachers, aides, nurses, therapists, consultants, and support staff provide students with creative academic, vocational, and social experiences that develop the child holistically, promoting success in family and community life. www.oaisd.org/oac

Ottawa Area Intermediate School District

Ottawa Area ISD works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, Ottawa Area ISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts, charter, parochial and private schools and adults in the most cost‐effective ways possible. To learn more about Ottawa Area ISD visit www.oaisd.org