Instructional Aide

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy and Education; Chicago (IL); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic organization is seeking an Instructional Aide to support high school students in an alternative education program. The role involves assisting teachers, implementing IEPs, and fostering a positive learning environment. Ideal candidates are passionate about helping at-risk students succeed and possess strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions

401k Retirement Saving Plan

Accrual-based Paid Time Off

Opportunities for Growth & Development

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Prior experience with children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support and supervision to students.
• Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Manage student behavior and track academic progress.

Skills

Problem Solving

Communication

Organization

Multitasking

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Starting Rate: $17.00 - $18.00 /hour based on experience Environment: Alternative Education Program, High School

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 will provide individualized support and supervision to assigned High School students while assisting the classroom team in delivering effective instruction. Working closely with students to implement their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), you will support learning both in the classroom and in community-based settings through a combination of group and one-on-one instruction.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Assisting classroom teachers in creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes high expectations for student learning and behavior.
• Implementing both on-site and community-based instructional and behavioral support strategies aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
• Instructing and monitoring students during lessons to support consistent and effective learning, while adapting instructional strategies to meet individual needs and reinforce key academic skills.
• Encouraging student engagement and tracking academic progress, while regularly communicating with the classroom teacher about observed successes, challenges, and any necessary interventions.
• Managing student behavior using proactive strategies aligned with the Ombudsman philosophy, applying consistent expectations and collaborating with the classroom team for a unified approach.
• Supporting students facing academic challenges by offering encouragement and guidance, and by helping them build skills across community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social domains.
• Completing timely and accurate documentation of student behavior and progress, reporting observations to appropriate team members and offering informed recommendations as needed.
• Assisting with the preparation of daily activity logs, behavioral reports, and other documentation to ensure continuity of care and compliance with program requirements.
• Communicating clearly and consistently with students, staff, supervisors, and parents to share relevant information about student progress, in collaboration with classroom teachers and school leadership.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality of student information and records, upholding all relevant legal and organizational privacy standards.
• Participating actively in accreditation and quality assurance efforts to ensure that the site meets or exceeds established performance expectations.
• Engaging in school-wide meetings, student/parent conferences, and advisory sessions as requested, contributing to a collaborative and supportive school culture.
• Responding positively to both formal and informal feedback as part of an ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in student support.
• Performing other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a team-oriented mindset to support school needs.

‖ 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 a paraprofessional, paraeducator, education assistant or similar credential preferred.
• Prior experience working with children, preferably in an alternative and/or special education program setting.
• Highly skilled in working with individuals with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders and/or challenging behaviors.
• 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.
• 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.

Ombudsman Educational Services is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education , the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 45 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than240,000 student lives!

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 & 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
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• 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 YourChance!

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

Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.

Copyright 2024 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, aChanceLight company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.

Qualifications Education

Required

High School

Preferred

Associates

Behaviors

Preferred

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

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

Paraprofessional

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.