Senior Instructional Aide, Autism Support

About the Employer

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is committed to ensuring all students have the educational opportunities they need to thrive. We offer a wide range of services and programs geared at supporting our 10 public school districts and expanding educational opportunities and outcomes for over 37,000 students who call Santa Cruz County home. We envision an impactful educational community where everyone feels they belong and have the resources, relationships, and skills to thrive. Our mission is to create an equitable educational system that fosters growth, opportunities, and well-being for all. We work alongside partners in Santa Cruz County’s educational community to build BRIDGES — Belonging, Relationships, Innovation, Data-informed decision-making, Growth mindsets, Excellence, and Sustainability — to equity in education.

About the Role

This position will be assigned to the Special Education Department. Under the general direction of the assigned administrator, assist a certificated Special Education Teacher, experienced in Autism and other severe neurological disorders, in administering and tutoring support services to students in a classroom setting to acquire learning, behavior, and social skills. Program areas also include supporting students with public and vocational skills on an independent one-to-one or small group basis. Goals are established by the collaborative educational team and the student’s individualized educational plans (IEP/IFSP).

This class is distinguished from other Instructional Aide roles by being assigned to work with students in the SCCOE collaborative partnership for students with autism. Positions in this class work 50% or more of their time in the community without direct supervision from certificated staff, directly supporting students with autism. This role does not involve supervision of other staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist a certificated Special Education Teacher in delivering support services to students with autism and other severe neurological disorders.
• Support students in acquiring learning, behavior, and social skills in a classroom setting.
• Work with students on public and vocational skills, either one-to-one or in small groups.
• Implement goals established by the collaborative educational team and the student’s individualized educational plans (IEP/IFSP).
• Work 50% or more of the time in the community without direct supervision from certificated staff.

Requirements

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by college-level coursework in psychology, child development, education, or a related field.
• Two years of experience working with Special Education students and/or children with Autism or other neurological disorders is desirable.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR and first aid certificates.

Applicants must meet the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirement by either providing proof of 48 semester or 60 quarter units of higher education or passing the ESSA exam via Zoom.

Benefits

• Vision, dental, and medical coverage for the employee and their dependents, with a choice between various medical plans (employee premium contributions may apply).
• Retirement benefits through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS), with employee contributions required.
• Long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• Degree stipends for eligible employees:
  • Associate Degree: $375 per year
  • Bachelor’s Degree: $750 per year
  • Master’s Degree: $1,500 per year
  • Doctorate Degree (no Master’s): $1,500 per year
  • Doctorate Degree (with Master’s): Additional $400 per year

Benefits are prorated based on full-time equivalent (FTE).

Pay

Pay range: $29.83 - $37.68 per hour, based on the 2026-2027 Classified Salary Schedule. Salary placement depends on relevant education and experience.

Schedule

32.5 hours per week / 10 months per year / 0.8125 FTE. Full-time employment type.