Instructional Aide

ChanceLight Programs•Cambria, CA

17d

About The Position

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is seeking an Instructional Aide to support students in Grades K–12 in a special education program. The role provides personalized support, supervision, and guidance in classroom and community settings. Working closely with classroom educators, the Instructional Aide helps implement each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), tailoring instruction and support to individual learning needs and goals. The position supports students’ academic, behavioral, social, vocational, and everyday skills development. It involves monitoring and documenting student progress and behavior, communicating with staff and families, maintaining confidentiality, and participating in meetings and school quality activities. The organization describes its work as part of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, which provides instructional and behavioral services to children and young adults in partnership with school districts.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and passage of a basic skills test.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
Prior experience providing instruction, guidance, and/or support to children; experience in alternative education, special education, or behavioral health is preferred.
Skill in 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 an emergency and make independent decisions.
Strong oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Knowledge of relevant technology, including instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.
Ability to obtain a valid California state driver’s license, or possession of one.
Comfort driving and/or riding in a company van with students before and/or after school.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher in education or a related field.
Current California state paraprofessional or related credential, or being in the process of obtaining one.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with classroom teachers to foster a supportive, welcoming, and high-achieving learning environment.
Implement individualized instruction and behavioral interventions on-site and in community settings, aligned with students’ goals and objectives.
Instruct and monitor students during classroom lessons, maintain instructional fidelity, and use targeted strategies to support comprehension and course completion.
Track student progress against established timelines and communicate successes and areas needing intervention to classroom teachers.
Manage student behavior, reinforce school policies, and apply consistent disciplinary measures in collaboration with classroom teachers.
Support and mentor students facing academic challenges and help them develop community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
Document student behavior and performance clearly and accurately, report observations, and provide actionable recommendations to relevant staff.
Assist with behavioral reports, daily activity logs, and other documentation.
Communicate with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families about student needs, achievements, and concerns.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
Participate in assurance and accreditation activities and contribute to site performance and accreditation requirements.
Participate in school-wide, student-parent, and advisory meetings.
Respond constructively to formal and informal feedback and demonstrate continued professional growth.
Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support students and the educational community.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
Free telehealth and virtual counseling sessions.
Free health advocacy services and a 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.
Paid leave policy for personal and life events.
401(k) retirement savings plan.
Perks at Work employee discount program.
Opportunities for growth and development. Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary by role and employment status.