Instructional Aide II

Starting Rate: $24 - $26 /hour based on experience Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an Instructional Aide II to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you excel in a dynamic, student-centered environment, are passionate about making a meaningful difference in special education, and possess adaptability, creativity, a positive mindset, and a genuine commitment to student success — We Should Talk!

As an Instructional Aide II, you’ll deliver personalized support and guidance to students Grades K-12, enriching their educational experiences and enhancing classroom effectiveness. Collaborating closely with teachers and other educational professionals, you'll implement individualized strategies and foster student success in both classroom and community settings.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Implementing engaging and personalized curriculum—including on-site and community-based activities—and behavioral intervention strategies aligned with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individual Transition Plan (ITP), and Positive Behavior Intervention Plan (PBIP).
• Consulting actively with your supervisor regarding student progress and adjustments to the IEP/ITP/PBIP, assisting transitions to mainstream environments or adult programs, and contributing meaningful input through progress reports, data sheets, and tailored curriculum modifications.
• Following and enriching the classroom schedule, aligning activities closely with students’ academic, community, and vocational objectives, and addressing individualized educational services and necessary adjustments.
• Completing precise, timely documentation of student behaviors, sharing insightful observations with relevant staff, and recommending strategies based on these observations while maintaining the confidentiality of all student records.
• Participating proactively in data collection and analysis, accurately recording essential student information, and providing critical input for the development of Functional Behavioral Assessments and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Performing impactful job coaching duties, facilitating hands-on vocational training and mentoring students in job-related skills on campus and at community work sites, and updating supervisors regularly about vocational development and placement opportunities.
• Providing compassionate support for students’ physical care needs, such as toileting, medication administration, feeding, and personal hygiene, ensuring dignity and comfort are always maintained.
• Maintaining vigilant oversight of classroom safety by continuously monitoring student activities, anticipating and addressing potential safety concerns swiftly and proactively.
• Complying thoroughly with company policies and regulatory requirements, promptly reporting any concerns or violations.
• Providing swift, calm, and appropriate crisis intervention when necessary, prioritizing student and staff safety, employing effective de-escalation techniques, and maintaining emotional neutrality during challenging situations.
• Meeting essential school and regulatory training requirements through consistent participation in mandatory meetings and professional development sessions.
• Assuring a clean, organized, and welcoming learning environment through proactive assistance in cleaning, organizing materials, and supporting overall facility safety and maintenance.
• Participating enthusiastically in the team environment, fostering cooperation, effective communication, mutual respect, and a positive work culture.
• Assisting effectively with classroom operations and special projects as directed, including substitute teaching responsibilities.
• Acting confidently as the primary instructor and supervisor in the teacher’s absence, providing clear communication with families and maintaining effective classroom systems.
• Providing thorough orientation and support to new staff, ensuring they are well-integrated and knowledgeable about agency guidelines.
• Assisting creatively with educational planning, preparation of engaging materials, and meticulous maintenance of student data binders and communication resources.
• Assisting collaboratively with classroom management, including budgeting, record-keeping, and maintaining a stimulating learning environment.
• Serving diligently as an aide (“rider”) during transportation routes, ensuring student safety and behavioral management on Spectrum vehicles (where applicable).
• Providing dependable student transportation by driving Spectrum vehicles safely, responsibly managing daily routes (where applicable, DMV report required).
• Performing additional relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a CA “Emergency 30 Day Sub Permit” within 90 days of beginning employment.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a valid CA state driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management (PCM) training.
• Willingness and ability to drive a company van and transport students within the community.
• Minimum 3yr's prior experience working with children, preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services, curriculum development, classroom management and instruction preferred.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations that help students move toward realistic goals.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions.
• Well-versed in technology and computer skills.

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!

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