Instructional Aide II

ChanceLight Programs • Buena Park, CA

1d

About The Position

Spectrum Schools and Programs is seeking an Instructional Aide II for its high school special education program. The role provides personalized support and guidance to students, helping enrich their educational experiences and support effective classroom instruction. The aide collaborates with teachers and other educational professionals to implement individualized strategies and promote student success in classroom, community, and vocational settings.

The position includes supporting students’ academic, behavioral, transition, vocational, and physical care needs; collecting and documenting student data; maintaining classroom safety and organization; and contributing to lesson planning and classroom operations. The aide may also provide substitute instruction, support new staff, assist with transportation, and perform other assigned duties.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in education or a related field.
• Currently hold, or be able to obtain within 90 days of beginning employment, a California Emergency 30 Day Substitute Permit.
• Currently hold, or be able to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
• Willingness and ability to drive a company van and transport students in the community.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
• At least 3 years of prior experience providing instruction, guidance, and/or support to children.
• Strong skills working with children with autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, and/or related disabilities.
• Ability to motivate students and have critical conversations that help them work toward realistic goals.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in emergencies and make independent decisions.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency with relevant technology, including computers, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in an alternative education, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Experience or knowledge in special education services, lesson planning, classroom management, and personalized instruction.

Responsibilities

• Implement personalized curriculum, community-based activities, and behavioral strategies aligned with students’ IEPs, ITPs, and PBIPs.
• Consult with a supervisor about student progress and plan adjustments; contribute to progress reports, data sheets, and curriculum modifications.
• Support transitions to mainstream settings or adult programs.
• Follow and enrich classroom schedules in line with students’ academic, community, and vocational objectives.
• Document student behaviors accurately and promptly, share observations with relevant staff, and recommend strategies while maintaining student-record confidentiality.
• Collect and analyze data, record student information, and contribute to Functional Behavioral Assessments and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Provide job coaching, vocational training, and mentoring on campus and at community work sites; report on vocational development and placement opportunities.
• Support students’ physical care needs, including toileting, medication administration, feeding, and personal hygiene, while maintaining their dignity and comfort.
• Monitor classroom activities, anticipate safety concerns, and respond proactively.
• Follow company policies and regulatory requirements and report concerns or violations.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed, prioritizing safety and maintaining emotional neutrality.
• Attend mandatory meetings and professional development and complete required school and regulatory training.
• Help keep the learning environment clean, organized, welcoming, and safe.
• Contribute to teamwork, communication, mutual respect, and a positive work culture.
• Assist with classroom operations and special projects, including substitute teaching responsibilities.
• Serve as primary instructor and supervisor in the teacher’s absence, communicate with families, and maintain classroom systems.
• Orient and support new staff on agency guidelines.
• Assist with educational planning, preparation of materials, and upkeep of student data binders and communication resources.
• Assist with classroom management, budgeting, record-keeping, and maintaining a stimulating learning environment.
• Serve as a student aide or rider on transportation routes, supporting student safety and behavior on Spectrum vehicles, where applicable.
• Drive Spectrum vehicles and transport students safely while managing daily routes, where applicable.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Annual education stipend of $2,000.
• Free telehealth and virtual counseling sessions.
• Free health advocacy services and 24/7 nurse line.
• Company-paid life and 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.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Perks at Work employee discount program.
• Opportunities for growth and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level