Instructional Aide

Ombudsman Educational Services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 20,664 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

Telehealth services

Life & Disability Insurance

401k Retirement Saving Plan

Paid Time Off

School Hours / Paid Holiday Schedule

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Ombudsman Educational Services seeks an Instructional Aide to support Grades 9-12 students in an Alternative Education setting. You’ll assist with IEP implementation, provide supervision, and help tailor instruction to individual learning needs in collaboration with teachers and staff.

Applicants should have a high school diploma, be prepared for crisis management training, and work closely with families to promote student growth. The role emphasizes confidentiality, documentation, and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with basic skills; associate degree preferred.
• IL state SSP credential either current or in process.
• Experience supporting students in alternative education or behavioral health settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized support and supervision for Grades 9–12 students.
• Assist with implementing each student’s IEP in classroom and community settings.
• Instruct and monitor students during lessons; track progress over time.
• Maintain confidentiality and document student behaviors and performance.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and families to support student success.
• Prepare behavioral reports and daily activity logs; assist with related documentation.

Skills

Classroom supervision

IEP support

Behavior management

Student engagement

Communication

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Documentation

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree preferred

IL SSP credential in process

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Ombudsman Educational Services 6057 S Western Ave Chicago, IL 60636, USA

Description

Ombudsman Educational Services, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an Instructional Aide to join our award‑winning Alternative 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 thrive in a goal‑oriented, outcome‑driven environment, possess a strong work ethic, problem‑solving mindset, a passion for supporting at‑risk students, and you’re looking for a career with genuine purpose—we should talk!

As an Instructional Aide, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of students in Grades 9-12 by providing personalized support, supervision and guidance both in the classroom and within the community. Collaborating closely with classroom educators, you'll help assist with implementing each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), tailoring instruction to their unique learning. Your dedication will help empower students to reach their full potential, building essential skills and confidence along the way.

• Collaborating closely with classroom teachers to cultivate a supportive, welcoming, and high‑achieving learning environment where all students feel safe and valued.
• Implementing engaging, individualized instruction and behavioral interventions both on‑site and in community settings, aligned with each student's unique goals and objectives.
• Instructing and closely monitoring students during classroom lessons, ensuring instructional fidelity, and applying targeted strategies to enhance student comprehension and successful course completion.
• Encouraging individual student growth by consistently tracking progress against established timelines and proactively communicating with classroom teachers regarding students' successes and areas needing additional intervention.
• Managing student behavior effectively, reinforcing our school's philosophy and policies, and applying consistent disciplinary measures in collaboration with classroom teachers.
• Supporting and mentoring students facing academic challenges, encouraging personal growth, and assisting them in developing essential community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
• Completing clear, accurate, and timely documentation of student behaviors and performance, reporting meaningful observations, and offering actionable recommendations to relevant staff.
• Assisting with the preparation of detailed behavioral reports, daily activity logs, and other necessary documentation.
• Communicating proactively and clearly with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families regarding student needs, achievements, and areas of concern, working in close partnership with teachers and administration.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality of all student records and information at all times.
• Participating actively in assurance and accreditation activities, contributing to achieving site performance standards and accreditation requirements.
• Participating in school‑wide, student‑parent, and advisory meetings to foster collaborative support networks and positive educational outcomes.
• Responding positively and constructively to formal and informal feedback, demonstrating continuous professional growth.
• Performing additional responsibilities as needed to support student success and contribute to the overall effectiveness of our educational community.

Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or equivalent with passage of basic skills test.
• Associate degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state school support personnel (SSP) credential.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience providing instruction, guidance and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Solid motivational skills and willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and new initiatives.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision‑making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you’ll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal and professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a chance to transform lives through education!

Perks and Benefits Include

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual‑based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

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!

Enthusiastic

Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest.

Team Player

Works well as a member of a group.

Motivations

Preferred

Ability to Make an Impact

Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization.

Education

Required

High School or better in Diploma or Equivalent.

Preferred

Associates or better in Related Field of Study.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

IL - School Support - SSP

Crisis Prevention Inst

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.