Instructional Aide

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education; Columbus (GA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vis

Telehealth and Virtual Counseling

401k Retirement Saving Plan

Paid Time Off

Opportunities for Growth & Development

Job summary

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is seeking an Instructional Aide to support students in Grades K-12 within a dynamic Special Education team. You will assist with implementing IEPs, tailor instruction, and collaborate with teachers to build essential skills and confidence.

The role emphasizes patience, empathy, and a proactive approach to behavior management, with a focus on school-day instruction and community-based activities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and passage of basic skills test.
• Meet Georgia paraprofessional qualification pathways prior to start date.
• Ability to obtain and maintain crisis management training certification.
• Prior experience providing instruction, guidance and support to children; preferably in special education or behavioral health settings.
• Experience working with students with learning disabilities including autism spectrum disorders.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to create a welcoming, high-achieving learning environment.
• Implement engaging, individualized instruction and behavioral interventions on-site and in community settings.
• Instruct and monitor students during lessons, applying strategies to boost comprehension and completion of courses.
• Track progress and communicate with teachers about successes and areas needing intervention.
• Manage student behavior, reinforce school policies, and coordinate with teachers on disciplinary measures.
• Support students in developing community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
• Document student behaviors and performance clearly, reporting observations and recommendations.
• Prepare behavioral reports and daily activity logs for staff.
• Communicate with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families about needs and achievements.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Participate in assurance and accreditation activities to meet site standards.
• Join school meetings to foster collaboration with parents and staff.
• Respond constructively to feedback and engage in professional growth.
• Perform additional duties to support student success.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Positive attitude

Strong work ethic

Classroom support

Behavioral interventions

Instructional support

Microsoft Office

Data/documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree or higher

60 college credits completed

GACE Paraprofessional Assessment passed

Tools

Instructional technology

Microsoft Office Suite

Database entry

Basic office equipment

Job description

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an Instructional Aide 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 thrive in a supportive, student-centered, outcome-driven environment, seek a career with genuine purpose, and possess patience, empathy, a positive attitude, and a stellar work ethic — We Should Talk!

As an Instructional Aide, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of students in Grades K-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 w/ passage of basic skills test.
• Meet one or more of the following Georgia paraprofessional qualification pathways prior to start date:
• Associates degree or higher in a related field of study.
• Completed a minimum of 60 semester hours of college coursework with a grade of "C" or better.
• Earn a passing score of 250 or higher on the GACE Paraprofessional Assessment.
• Provide required documentation, including official transcripts and/or verification of passing GACE Paraprofessional Assessment scores, as required for GaPSC licensure and employment clearance.
• 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.

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. Operating a variety of specialized program centers, we partner with more than 235 school districts nationwide to provide instructional and behavioral services in a safe, trusting environment where students can achieve their full potential.

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!

Learn more about the perks and benefits we provide by checking out our digital brochure:

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!

Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.