Instructional Assistant- Richmond/Rodeo

Ravi's Import Warehouse•Richmond, CA

20d•$58,490 - $62,941

About The Position

Instructional Assistants support the caseloads of Inclusion and Mental Health Specialists, helping ensure children’s needs are met. In alignment with the YMCA of the East Bay’s goals, mission, and policies, staff deliver high-quality care and education consistent with Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education requirements for Early Learning and Support and Special Education, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and Community Care Licensing requirements. This position serves Area 4, including Antioch and Pittsburg. The role supports neuro-diverse children, including children with developmental delays and social-emotional needs, in accessing curriculum and daily activities. It includes implementing Positive Behavior Support Plans, fostering a safe and nurturing learning environment, assisting with health and hygiene routines, monitoring and guiding children, documenting interventions and behavior data, and working collaboratively with families and staff.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent coursework.
Two years of collective experience as an instructional assistant or paraprofessional in special education or early intervention; as a classroom teacher in an early childhood program; or as an ABA behavior technician or support worker in an in-home or school-based setting.
Experience working with children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Proficiency in English communication.
Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and manage time efficiently.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of child information and documents.
Pre-employment physical examination, immunizations, and TB clearance.
Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certificates, including 16 hours of preventive health and safety training, or completion of the training within 90 work days of hire.
LiveScan fingerprinting and criminal record clearance.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other computer programs.
Valid California driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, and annual DMV check.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree.
Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.
Classroom teaching experience in an early childhood program, preferably in a state-subsidized or Early/Head Start setting.

Responsibilities

Support neuro-diverse students in equitable access to curriculum goals, activities, and daily routines.
Assist with implementing Positive Behavior Support Plans individually or in small groups.
Build rapport and trust with children on the caseload.
Foster a safe and nurturing learning environment.
Assess children’s needs and use intervention strategies in their Positive Behavior Support Plans to prevent or redirect challenging and unsafe behaviors; model and facilitate social interactions, and provide direction, guidance, and visual supervision.
Teach and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment.
Teach and monitor health and hygiene skills and assist with routines such as toileting, hand washing, and tooth-brushing.
Follow Positive Behavior Guidance, the YMCA Code of Conduct, and YMCA Child Supervision policy, including visually supervising children at all times.
Follow health and safety requirements under Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education regulations.
Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with teachers, Center Directors, Family Advocates, Inclusion and Mental Health staff, and other YMCA staff to support children and families.
Write daily intervention notes, collect ABC data, submit records to the Behavior Coordinator at the end of each work week, and maintain an organized binder of documents.
Participate in meetings, classes, and trainings for professional growth and to meet job expectations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Heavily subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance with several plan options for eligible full-time employees.
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with optional Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care expenses.
Long-Term Disability Insurance.
Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs.
Commuter Benefits for eligible employees.
12 designated holidays.
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Professional development opportunities and ongoing training.
YMCA membership benefits and program discounts for employees and their families.