Instructional Assistant Paraeducator

Overview

Transforming Education, Empowering Lives:
Support as our Instructional Assistant at Serendipity Center

Serendipity Center is leading the way in therapeutic education, offering a holistic approach that integrates Mental Health, Special Education, Wellness, and Transition Readiness. Our mission is clear: to empower students who need extra time, attention, and skill development to reach their full potential. As we grow,
we are seeking a dedicated Instructional Assistant to help support our educational and administrative efforts.

Why Serendipity Center?

At Serendipity Center, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll find a community committed to excellence and support. As a private non-profit institution, we provide all the resources necessary for student success conveniently located on campus. Our commitment to small class sizes ensures that each student receives personalized attention, supported by a diverse team that includes teachers, Program Assistants, and a comprehensive array of professionals.

• Excellent PTO: Enjoy plenty of time off (48/ hours of PTO/ 1st year) allowing for a healthy work-life balance, including breaks during school closures calculated out to a minimum of 32 paid days off during the school year.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Receive full health benefits starting on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. Participate in our 403(B)-retirement plan with a match after 1 year.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of ongoing professional development opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career.
• Free Lunch: Enjoy free lunches during scheduled school days prepared by our kitchen team, featuring fresh ingredients from our garden.
• Casual Dress Code: Show up as your most authentic self and wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable and expresses your individual style.
• Growth Opportunities: Benefit from opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive and synergetic environment.

• Participates with mental health and classroom staff in implementing a BSP for assigned student that addresses lagging skills and replacement behaviors that the student must master to no longer require the support of a Skills Trainer.
• Observes all students to detect noticeable changes in behavior, and aids or restrains them to prevent injury to themselves or others; performs crisis intervention and CPI approved physical management.
• Coaches student to focus on the acquisition and practice of skills outlined by BSP and other general decision making and academic skills.
• Provides individualized or small group instruction, as directed by classroom teacher, using lessons and materials developed by teacher.
• Assess continually the needed level of intervention to support and facilitate the learning activities in the classroom; observes and controls behavior of student according to approved procedures.
• Establishes and maintains a rapport with students characterized by professional boundaries and respect; adapts interaction style for the needs of individual students.
• Models and teaches using CPS, appropriate social behavior and appropriate school behavior in the classroom and school wide. Accompanies assigned student to and from areas of the school, maintaining supervision expectations with line of sight.
• Assists assigned student in becoming accustomed to school routine.
• Protects confidentiality of information related to students and families.
• Reports to Case Manager (or designated substitute) all suspicions of potential abuse, neglect, self-harm and/or endangerment of others, through an incident report form.
• Implement Collaborative Problem Solving and principles of Re-Education as part of our integrated intervention model.
• Provides constant supervision of students, particularly during transitions points in the school day (i.e. meals, breaks, restroom, etc.) in conjunction with other staff members, ensuring line of sight.
• Supports teaching staff by providing continual re-directing, positive reinforcement, tutoring, planning with students having difficult days, and providing behavioral corrections within the classroom.
• Attends and participates actively in regular department and other staff meetings.
• Maintains familiarity with Serendipity's safety protocols and implements all required instruction, drills and procedures.

• Education/experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); 3-6 months experience working with school-aged children.
• Certification/Licenses: current CPI certification (can be obtained on the job).
• General
  
  Skills:
  
  Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Must be able to effectively organize and prioritize work. Must be able to follow written and oral instructions. Must concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work independently. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficient with email communication, Basic knowledge of word processing…