Instructional Aide

Overview

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs
, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Instructional Aide to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression, and offers potential for personal and professional satisfaction.

If you thrive in a supportive, student-centered, outcome-driven environment, seek a career with genuine purpose, and possess patience, empathy, a positive attitude, and a stellar work ethic, we should talk!

As an Instructional Aide
, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of High School students by providing personalized support, supervision, and guidance both in the classroom and within the community. You’ll collaborate closely with classroom educators to help implement each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), tailoring instruction to their unique learning needs and helping empower students to reach their full potential while building essential skills and confidence.

• Collaborate closely with classroom teachers to cultivate a supportive, welcoming, and high-achieving learning environment where all students feel safe and valued.
• Implement engaging, individualized instruction and behavioral interventions on-site and in community settings, aligned with each student’s goals and objectives.
• Instruct and monitor students during classroom lessons, ensure instructional fidelity, and apply targeted strategies to enhance comprehension and course completion.
• Track student progress against established timelines, proactively communicating with teachers regarding successes and areas needing additional intervention.
• Manage student behavior, reinforcing school policy, and apply consistent disciplinary measures in collaboration with teachers.
• Support and mentor students facing academic challenges, helping them develop community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
• Complete clear, accurate, and timely documentation of student behaviors and performance, report observations, and offer actionable recommendations to staff.
• Assist with preparation of behavioral reports, daily activity logs, and other necessary documentation.
• Communicate proactively with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families regarding needs, achievements, and concerns; work in partnership with teachers and administration.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all student records and information.
• Participate actively in assurance and accreditation activities to help meet site performance standards.
• Participate in school-wide, student-parent, and advisory meetings to foster collaborative support networks and positive outcomes.
• Respond positively to feedback and demonstrate continuous professional growth.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support student success and the overall effectiveness of the educational community.

• High school diploma or equivalent with passage of basic skills test.
• Associate degree or higher in education or a closely related field preferred.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a state driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management (PCM) training.
• Paraprofessional, para educator, teaching assistant, or similar credential preferred.
• Prior experience working with children, preferably in a special education setting.
• Strong experience working with children with autism spectrum disorders, developmental disabilities, and/or challenging behaviors.
• Comfortable driving or riding in a company van with students before and/or after school.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in emergencies and make independent decisions.
• Ability to motivate students and have constructive conversations that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Strong oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of relevant technology, including instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Learn more about our history, mission, and program…