Instructional Aide

Overview

Starting Rate: $22 - $24 /hour based on years of experience. Environment:
Special Education Program, Grades K-12. Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, seeks an Instructional Aide to join our Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers potential for personal and professional growth.

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 students in Grades K-12 by providing personalized support, supervision and guidance both in the classroom and within the community. You will collaborate with classroom educators to help implement each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), tailoring instruction to their unique learning needs. Your dedication will empower students to reach their full potential, building essential skills and confidence along the way.

• 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 in on-site and 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 timelines and proactively communicate with teachers regarding successes and areas needing intervention.
• Manage student behavior effectively, reinforce school philosophy and policies, and apply consistent disciplinary measures in collaboration with teachers.
• Support and mentor students facing academic challenges, helping them develop essential 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 relevant staff.
• Assist with preparation of behavioral reports, daily logs, and other necessary documentation.
• Communicate proactively with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families regarding needs, achievements, and areas of concern, working with teachers and administration.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all student records and information at all times.
• Participate in assurance and accreditation activities to achieve site performance standards and accreditation requirements.
• Attend school-wide, student-parent, and advisory meetings to foster collaborative support networks and positive educational outcomes.
• Respond constructively to feedback and pursue 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 related field preferred.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a state driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in crisis management training.
• Paraprofessional, para educator, teaching assistant or similar credential preferred.
• Experience working with children, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program.
• Strong skills working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, and related disabilities.
• Comfortable driving and/or riding in a company van with students before and/or after school.
• Ability to think quickly and act calmly in emergencies and make independent decisions.
• Ability to motivate and have constructive conversations with students toward realistic goals.
• Strong oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of relevant technology…