Special Education Teacher Aide | Academic Support Staff
About The Position
At the Youth In Transition (YIT) School, Academic Support Staff play a vital role in helping students grow academically, emotionally, and socially. This position is hands‑on, relationship‑centered, and essential to creating a safe, structured, and encouraging learning environment for young people who need consistent support. Academic Support Staff work directly with students and teachers to bring classroom learning to life. You’ll help implement lessons, guide students through activities, and provide one‑on‑one support to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Whether you’re assisting with instruction, helping students navigate transitions, or reinforcing positive behavior, your presence helps create stability and trust. Students at YIT rely on structure, patience, and positive relationships. As Academic Support Staff, you become a steady, supportive presence in their day — someone who helps them feel safe, capable, and understood. Your work directly contributes to their growth, confidence, and long‑term success. This isn’t just a job. It’s an opportunity to change lives, one day at a time.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; experience may substitute
- 2+ years working with students with special needs
- Read and follow safety and procedural documents
- Write clear reports and communicate effectively
- Perform basic math and interpret simple data
- Apply sound judgment and follow written or verbal instructions
- Maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct
- Support a safe, positive classroom environment
- Present professional behavior, language, and attire
- Demonstrate reliability and punctuality
- Frequent walking, standing, and stair climbing
- Occasional lifting 15–20 lbs
- Ability to move quickly and perform approved TCI physical interventions
- Indoor classroom setting
- Moderate noise level typical of school environments
Responsibilities
- Support students individually and in small groups during teacher‑planned lessons
- Help maintain a positive, well‑managed classroom environment
- Collect and record academic and behavioral data to support student progress
- Supervise students during transitions, lunch, and time‑out periods
- Assist with daily classroom preparation and organization
- Engage actively in lessons and classroom activities
- Communicate important observations or concerns to the teacher
- Use approved behavior‑management strategies, including physical intervention when required
- Participate in end‑of‑day debriefs with the classroom teacher
- Take on additional tasks that contribute to a supportive school environment
- Greeting the student each morning and supporting breakfast routines
- Staying within close proximity during class to help with academic tasks
- Escorting the student safely throughout the building
- Tracking behaviors and contributing to behavior‑management plans
- Planning age‑appropriate de‑escalation activities
- Understanding the student’s triggers, habits, and needs
- Ensuring safe dismissal at the end of the day
Benefits
- Health, dental & vision insurance
- Health Savings Account with employer contributions
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
- Generous time off, paid holidays, and winter break
- Tuition assistance & professional development support
- Free parking & a supportive school culture
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
Number of Employees
101-250 employees
