Instructional Aide

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. Perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression, and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction.

About the role

As an Instructional Aide, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of Elementary School students by providing personalized support, supervision, and guidance both in the classroom and within the community. Collaborating closely with classroom educators, you'll help assist with implementing each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), tailoring instruction to their unique learning needs. Your dedication will help empower students to reach their full potential, building essential skills and confidence along the way.

Responsibilities

• 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 both on-site and in community settings, aligned with each student's unique goals and objectives.
• Instruct and closely monitor students during classroom lessons, ensuring instructional fidelity, and apply targeted strategies to enhance student comprehension and successful course completion.
• Encourage individual student growth by consistently tracking progress against established timelines and proactively communicate with classroom teachers regarding students' successes and areas needing additional intervention.
• Manage student behavior effectively, reinforce the school's philosophy and policies, and apply consistent disciplinary measures in collaboration with classroom teachers.
• Support and mentor students facing academic challenges, encouraging personal growth, and assist them in developing essential community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
• Complete clear, accurate, and timely documentation of student behaviors and performance, report meaningful observations, and offer actionable recommendations to relevant staff.
• Assist with the preparation of detailed behavioral reports, daily activity logs, and other necessary documentation.
• Communicate proactively and clearly with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families regarding student needs, achievements, and areas of concern, working in close partnership with teachers and administration.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all student records and information at all times.
• Participate actively in assurance and accreditation activities, contributing to achieving site performance standards and accreditation requirements.
• Participate in school-wide, student-parent, and advisory meetings to foster collaborative support networks and positive educational outcomes.
• Respond positively and constructively to formal and informal feedback, demonstrating continuous professional growth.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support student success and contribute to the overall effectiveness of our educational community.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with passage of basic skills test.
• Associate degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study preferred.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a CA state driver's license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a paraprofessional, paraeducator, teaching assistant, or similar credential preferred.
• Prior experience providing instruction, guidance, and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders, and/or other related disabilities.
• Comfortable driving and/or riding in a company van with students before and/or after school.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Savings Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development