Substitute Program Aide

About the role

As a Substitute Program Aide at LEARN Academy (formerly Desert Choice Schools), you’ll help students with special needs develop academic and self-help skills, social and emotional regulation, flexible thinking, language development, and motor development.

We look for candidates with:

• A genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs.
• A steady supply of compassion, empathy, enthusiasm, kindness, goodwill, and reliability.
• A willingness to learn about a variety of disability categories and learning differences.

LEARN Academy is a state-approved private day school in Arizona serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. We provide individually tailored services to students with special needs—including autism and emotional and learning disabilities. LEARN Academy is a national leader in special education, academic intervention, and specialized behavioral services, using a structured program implemented in environments that facilitate functional independence and academic and social success.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct instructional support to individuals and/or groups of students.
• Provide structured support in social-emotional, adaptive behavior, and social-skill development.
• Collect data regarding student(s) progress towards their goals/objectives as directed by the teaching and clinical team.
• Reinforce academic behaviors taught by certified staff and provide students with opportunities to practice.
• Assist students in community, recreational, school, and leisure activities under the direction of certified staff.
• Implement organization-approved techniques for verbal de-escalation and safe physical restraint (training provided).
• Perform other related duties as assigned and required by the building administration and certified staff.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
• 1-2 years’ experience working with children in a special needs educational setting preferred but not required—we are willing to train.
• Ability to collaborate and receive feedback, mentoring, and direction from peers and supervisors.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining a professional and clinical perspective, without internalizing or personalizing student behaviors or mannerisms.
• Demonstrated experience using physical ability and dexterity to safely and effectively use Crisis Management Interventions (including therapeutic holds).
• Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card or ability to obtain one.

Physical Requirements

Physical requirements vary based on specific student assignments. You may be asked to:

• Lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
• Stoop, reach, stand, kneel, squat, sit, walk, lift, pull, and grasp for extended periods of time.

Pay

Entry pay starts at $18 per hour with performance-based pay increases. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree earn an additional $0.50 per hour.

Schedule

This is a full-time, 10-month position with unpaid school breaks.