Instructional Assistant- Richmond/Rodeo

Visit the YMCA of the East Bay Today with 5 Central Locations•Richmond, CA

19d

About The Position

Instructional Assistants support the caseload of Inclusion and Mental Health Specialists, providing essential assistance to ensure children’s needs are met. Responsibilities are carried out in alignment with the Goals, Mission, and Policies of the YMCA of the East Bay. Staff deliver high-quality care and education in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education Early Learning and Support and Special Education Divisions regulations, the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), and Community Care Licensing requirements. This position serves Area 4, including Antioch/Pittsburg. The role supports neuro-diverse students, including children with developmental delays and/or social-emotional needs, so they can access the curriculum and daily activities equitably. The Instructional Assistant implements Positive Behavior Support Plans, helps maintain a safe and nurturing learning environment, supports children’s health and hygiene routines, and works collaboratively with teachers, center directors, family advocates, and other YMCA staff. The employee records daily intervention notes and ABC data, maintains related documentation, and participates in meetings, classes, and trainings.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent coursework.
Two years of collective experience as an instructional assistant/paraprofessional in a special education or early intervention program; 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 of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Ability to communicate proficiently in English.
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 preventative health and safety training, or completion of this 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 multi-lingual ability.
Early Childhood Program classroom experience, preferably in a state-subsidized or Early/Head Start setting.

Responsibilities

Support neuro-diverse students in equitable access to curriculum goals and activities aligned with the Creative Curriculum, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks.
Assist with implementing Positive Behavior Support Plans for children on the caseload, 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 Positive Behavior Support Plans to prevent or redirect challenging and unsafe behaviors; model and facilitate social interactions and provide direction, guidance, and visual supervision.
Instruct and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment.
Instruct and monitor children in health and hygiene skills and assist with routine activities, including toileting, hand washing, and tooth-brushing.
Follow Positive Behavior Guidance, the YMCA Code of Conduct, and YMCA Child Supervision policy, and visually supervise children at all times.
Carry out 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.
Write daily intervention notes, collect ABC data, submit the data to the Behavior Coordinator at the end of each work week, and maintain and organize the associated binder.
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 coverage with several plan options for full-time employees.
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for 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, including New Year’s Day.
Paid time off for vacation and sick leave.
Professional development opportunities and ongoing training.
YMCA membership benefits and discounts on programs for employees and their families.