Instructional Aide

Looking for a Rewarding Role for the 2026–2027 School Year?
Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a role where you can make a real impact, this could be your next step. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs.

👋 About Zen Educate
Zen Educate partners with public and charter schools across various school districts to build stronger school communities. Our team is committed to supporting educators with personalized job matches and ongoing mentorship at every step.

When you join Zen, you’re not just taking an assignment, you’re joining an educator-first platform that supports you every step of the way. We are actively hiring to support students with specialized academic, social, and physical needs

Our Instructional Assistants are fundamental to a smoothly running classroom, providing practical support that allows teachers to focus on instruction, while also offering encouragement and guidance to students throughout the school day.

Key Responsibilities

• Behavioral Support:
  Implement and manage behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), provide positive reinforcement, and use de-escalation techniques as necessary.
• Individualized Support:
  Provide personalized support to special education students, tailoring materials and strategies to their unique learning and behavioral needs.
• Classroom Assistance:
  Assist teachers in managing classroom behaviors, fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and encouraging student participation.
• Data Collection:
  Record and maintain detailed data on student progress, behaviors, and interventions to support the special education team.
• Communication:
  Build and maintain effective communication with teachers, parents, and school staff to ensure cohesive and consistent support for students.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma obtained in the United States
• 6+ months experience supporting people with special needs (in any capacity), ideally child-focused experience
• Applicants must have professional proficiency in English
• US Work Authorization - Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time

Physical Requirements:

• Comfortable being on your feet and moving around the classroom throughout the day
• Able to lift up to 20 lbs and safely assist students when needed (kneeling, bending, quick response)
• Additional physical requirements may be requested during your application process

Preferred Qualifications / Experience

• Experience working in special education, particularly with moderate to severe behaviors
• Experience with personal care tasks, like diapering and toileting
• Experience handling unexpected behaviour, such as hitting and biting
• Comfortable with eloping
• Experience with behaviour strategies and methodologies
• Experience in collecting data and following BI plan
• Associate's degree or higher (obtained in the US or US equivalency check completed)
• Pro-Act training
• Certification in CPR and First Aid

Salary
Pay: $22 - $24.50 per hour, paid weekly.

Schedule:

Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work)

Benefits and other offerings

• Weekly pay by direct deposit, with paper check available on request
• Professional development, including in-app training, paid role-specific certifications where applicable, and additional development opportunities depending on role and location
• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local law
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,560 hours in a 12 month period.
• 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,000 hours in a 12 month period or more than 500 hours/year in a 24 month period.

Connect with a recruiter today to get started with your application!

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