Instructional Aide

School Social Work Association of America; Oakland, Northern (CA, KY); On-site; USD 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

401k Retirement Saving Plan

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs in Oakland is seeking an Instructional Aide to join our Special Education team, supporting students in grades K-12 with individualized instruction and IEP implementation. You will work with classroom teachers, monitor progress, assist with behavioral support, and help students build essential academic and life skills in a collaborative, student-centered environment.

Starting pay is $22–$24 per hour based on experience, with opportunities for growth and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; basic skills test.
• Associate degree or higher in education or related field preferred.
• CA driver's license required or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers to create a supportive learning environment.
• Implement individualized instruction and behavioral interventions on-site and in community settings.
• Monitor student progress and communicate with teachers on outcomes.
• Assist with IEP implementation and goals.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and data.
• Prepare behavioral reports and activity logs as needed.
• Engage families and staff with clear, proactive communication.

Skills

Special Education

Assistant Teaching

Scheduling/Time Management

Record Keeping & Reporting

IEP Knowledge

Behavioral Support

Crisis Intervention

Autism

Learning Disabilities

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Computer Skills

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Associate Degree or Higher (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Database Entry

Basic Office Equipment

Job description

Starting Rate: $22 - $24 /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 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.

Responsibilities Include:

• 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.
• Associate degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study preferred.
• 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 training.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a paraprofessional, paraeducator, teaching assistant or similar credential preferred.
• 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.
• Comfortable driving and/or riding in a company van with students before and/or after school.
• 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.

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!

Education

Required

• High School or better in Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred

• Associates or better in Related Field of Study

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Ability to Obtain
• Gen - Driver's License
• Crisis Prevention Inst

Preferred

• Paraprofessional

Skills

Preferred

• Special Education
• Assistant Teaching
• Scheduling/Time Management
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Behavioral Support
• Crisis Intervention
• Behavioral Disorders
• Autism
• Learning Disabilities
• Performance Motivation
• Personalized Instruction
• Student Coaching/Mentorship
• Academic Support
• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills
• K-12 Education

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

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.