Instructional Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent coursework.
• Two years of collective experience as an instructional assistant/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 communicating 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, required immunizations, and TB clearance.
• Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certificates, including 16 total 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.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting and/or moving up to 40 pounds, and mobility to respond quickly to emergencies.
• Ability to work outdoors daily.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.
• Experience teaching in an Early Childhood Program, preferably in a state-subsidized or Early/Head Start setting.

Responsibilities

• Support neuro-diverse students, including children with developmental delays and/or social-emotional needs, in equitable access to curriculum and daily activities.
• 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 specified in Positive Behavior Support Plans to prevent or redirect challenging and unsafe behaviors while modeling and facilitating social interactions and providing 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, 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 for submission to the Behavior Coordinator at the end of each work week, and maintain and organize a binder containing these 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 for eligible full-time employees, with several plan options.
• 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 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.