Instructional Aide

About the role

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. In this role you will perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction.

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 applying targeted strategies to enhance student comprehension and successful course completion.
• Encourage individual student growth by consistently tracking progress against established timelines and proactively communicating 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 assisting them in developing essential community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
• Complete clear, accurate, and timely documentation of student behaviors and performance, reporting meaningful observations and offering 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.

Qualifications

• 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 Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development