Instructional Assistant (Paraeducator) - Full-Time

Serendipity Center Inc • Portland, OR

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Transforming Education, Empowering Lives: Support as our Instructional Assistant at Serendipity Center
Serendipity Center is leading the way in therapeutic education, offering a holistic approach that integrates Mental Health, Special Education, Wellness, and Transition Readiness. Our mission is clear: to empower students who need extra time, attention, and skill development to reach their full potential. As we grow, we are seeking a dedicated Instructional Assistant to help support our educational and administrative efforts.
Why Serendipity Center?
At Serendipity Center, you'll find more than just a job - you'll find a community committed to excellence and support. As a private non-profit institution, we provide all the resources necessary for student success conveniently located on campus. Our commitment to small class sizes ensures that each student receives personalized attention, supported by a diverse team that includes teachers, Program Assistants, and a comprehensive array of professionals.

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• 1 year relevant experience in Pre-k - 12th grade educational setting's, children's mental or behavioral health, social services, or developmental disabilities strongly preferred.
• current CPI certification (can be obtained on the job).
• Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Must be able to effectively organize and prioritize work.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions.
• Must concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Proficient with email communication, Basic knowledge of word processing applications. General MS word, outlook, and data entry skill.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• The employee must be able to frequently perform physical management techniques on children.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Must pass a pre-employment Mental Health and Development Disability Services Division criminal records check.

Nice To Haves

• Associates degree strongly preferred.
• Para-professional certification strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participates with mental health and classroom staff in implementing a BSP for assigned student that addresses lagging skills and replacement behaviors that the student must master to no longer require the support of a Skills Trainer. Observes all students to detect noticeable changes in behavior, and aids or restrains them to prevent injury to themselves or others; performs crisis intervention and CPI approved physical management.
• Coaches student to focus on the acquisition and practice of skills outlined by BSP and other general decision making and academic skills.
• Provides individualized or small group instruction, as directed by classroom teacher, using lessons and materials developed by teacher. • Assess continually the needed level of intervention to support and facilitate the learning activities in the classroom; observes and controls behavior of student according to approved procedures.
• Establishes and maintains a rapport with students characterized by professional boundaries and respect; adapts interaction style for the needs of individual students. • Models and teaches using CPS, appropriate social behavior and appropriate school behavior in the classroom and schoolwide.
• Accompanies assigned student to and from areas of the school, maintaining supervision expectations with line of sight. • Assists assigned student in becoming accustomed to school routine.
• Protects confidentiality of information related to students and families.
• Reports to Case Manager (or designated substitute) all suspicions of potential abuse, neglect, self-harm and/or endangerment of others, through an incident report form.
• Implement Collaborative Problem Solving and principles of Re-Education as part of our integrated intervention model.
• Provides constant supervision of students, particularly during transitions points in the school day (i.e. meals, breaks, restroom, etc.) in conjunction with other staff members, ensuring line of site.
• Supports teaching staff by providing continual re-directing, positive reinforcement, tutoring, planning with students having difficult days, and providing behavioral corrections within the classroom.
• Attends and participates actively in regular department and other staff meetings.
• Maintains familiarity with Serendipity's safety protocols and implements all required instruction, drills and procedures.

Benefits

• Excellent PTO: Enjoy plenty of time off (48 hours of PTO/ 1st year) allowing for a healthy work-life balance, including breaks during school closures calculated out to a minimum of 32 paid days off during the school year.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Receive full health benefits starting on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. Participate in our 403(B)-retirement plan with a match after 1 year.
• Free Lunch: Enjoy free lunches during scheduled school days prepared by our kitchen team, featuring fresh ingredients from our garden.
• Casual Dress Code: Show up as your most authentic self and wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable and expresses your individual style.
• Growth Opportunities: Benefit from opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive and synergetic environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees