Instructional Aide II

About the role

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is seeking an Instructional Aide II to join our award-winning Special Education team. This role delivers personalized support and guidance to High School students, enriching their educational experiences and enhancing classroom effectiveness. You will collaborate closely with teachers and other educational professionals to implement individualized strategies and foster student success in both classroom and community settings.

Responsibilities

• Implement engaging and personalized curriculum—including on-site and community-based activities—and behavioral intervention strategies aligned with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individual Transition Plan (ITP), and Positive Behavior Intervention Plan (PBIP).
• Consult actively with your supervisor regarding student progress and adjustments to the IEP/ITP/PBIP, assist transitions to mainstream environments or adult programs, and contribute meaningful input through progress reports, data sheets, and tailored curriculum modifications.
• Follow and enrich the classroom schedule, aligning activities closely with students’ academic, community, and vocational objectives, and address individualized educational services and necessary adjustments.
• Complete precise, timely documentation of student behaviors, share insightful observations with relevant staff, and recommend strategies based on these observations while maintaining the confidentiality of all student records.
• Participate proactively in data collection and analysis, accurately record essential student information, and provide critical input for the development of Functional Behavioral Assessments and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Perform impactful job coaching duties, facilitate hands-on vocational training and mentor students in job-related skills on campus and at community work sites, and update supervisors regularly about vocational development and placement opportunities.
• Provide compassionate support for students’ physical care needs, such as toileting, medication administration, feeding, and personal hygiene, ensuring dignity and comfort are always maintained.
• Maintain vigilant oversight of classroom safety by continuously monitoring student activities, anticipating and addressing potential safety concerns swiftly and proactively.
• Comply thoroughly with company policies and regulatory requirements, promptly reporting any concerns or violations.
• Provide swift, calm, and appropriate crisis intervention when necessary, prioritizing student and staff safety, employing effective de-escalation techniques, and maintaining emotional neutrality during challenging situations.
• Meet essential school and regulatory training requirements through consistent participation in mandatory meetings and professional development sessions.
• Assure a clean, organized, and welcoming learning environment through proactive assistance in cleaning, organizing materials, and supporting overall facility safety and maintenance.
• Participate enthusiastically in the team environment, fostering cooperation, effective communication, mutual respect, and a positive work culture.
• Assist effectively with classroom operations and special projects as directed, including substitute teaching responsibilities.
• Act confidently as the primary instructor and supervisor in the teacher’s absence, providing clear communication with families and maintaining effective classroom systems.
• Provide thorough orientation and support to new staff, ensuring they are well-integrated and knowledgeable about agency guidelines.
• Assist creatively with educational planning, preparation of engaging materials, and meticulous maintenance of student data binders and communication resources.
• Assist collaboratively with classroom management, including budgeting, record-keeping, and maintaining a stimulating learning environment.
• Serve diligently as an aide (“rider”) during transportation routes, ensuring student safety and behavioral management on Spectrum vehicles (where applicable).
• Provide dependable student transportation by driving Spectrum vehicles safely, responsibly managing daily routes (where applicable, DMV report required).
• Perform additional relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a CA “Emergency 30 Day Sub Permit” within 90 days of beginning employment.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a valid CA state driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Willingness and ability to drive a company van and transport students within the community.
• Minimum 3 years prior experience providing instruction, guidance and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services, lesson planning, classroom management and personalized instruction preferred.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations that help students move toward realistic goals.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions.
• Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, 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