Dedicated Aide at Maya Angelou Academy (YSC) SY26-27
About The Position
The Dedicated Aide provides individualized academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to a student with disabilities in a secure juvenile detention school. Under instructional staff supervision and in collaboration with related service providers, the aide implements accommodations and behavioral interventions identified in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and/or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). The aide promotes student engagement, independence, emotional regulation, and access to instruction while maintaining a safe, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and secure learning environment. The role requires maintaining professional boundaries, collaborating effectively with correctional staff, and consistently supporting school-wide behavior expectations. Maya Angelou Academy is located at the Youth Services Center, the District of Columbia’s detention center for male and female youth placed in secure detention by court order from the DC Superior Court Family Court Division.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- At least 1 year of experience working with at-risk youth, justice-involved youth, or students in alternative educational settings.
Nice To Haves
- Associate degree or completion of at least 60 college credits.
- Paraprofessional certification, or ability to obtain it.
Responsibilities
- Provide one-on-one instructional support to the assigned student throughout the school day.
- Assist the student in accessing grade-level curriculum and completing classroom assignments.
- Implement teacher-directed instructional strategies and accommodations.
- Reinforce academic concepts through guided practice and individualized support.
- Support participation in classroom discussions, projects, vocational activities, and enrichment opportunities.
- Implement behavioral supports outlined in the student’s IEP and Behavior Intervention Plan.
- Use trauma-informed and restorative practices to de-escalate challenging behaviors.
- Provide proactive supervision and redirection before behaviors escalate.
- Reinforce positive behaviors using approved behavior support systems.
- Help the student develop coping, self-regulation, conflict-resolution, and executive-functioning skills.
- Support smooth transitions throughout the school day.
- Maintain awareness of the student’s location and activities while following facility security procedures.
- Immediately report safety concerns, behavioral incidents, or emergencies to appropriate school and facility personnel.
- Help maintain a safe and orderly learning environment.
- Participate in IEP and multidisciplinary team meetings when requested.
- Share observations regarding student progress, behavior, and engagement.
- Document student participation, behavioral observations, academic progress, and incidents accurately.
- Collaborate with general education teachers, special education teachers, other school staff, and carceral staff.
- Protect student confidentiality in accordance with FERPA and applicable laws.
- Maintain professional boundaries and demonstrate flexibility, professionalism, patience, consistency, and respect.
- Perform other duties as assigned that support a safe and effective teaching and learning environment.
Benefits
- Health care coverage
- HSA/FSA and dependent care accounts
- Voluntary dental and vision coverage
- Employer-paid short-term and long-term disability options
- Commuter benefits
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution offered after 1 year of service
- Opportunity to positively impact students with a broad range of experiences and backgrounds
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
