Instructional Aide

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Telehealth access

Life & Disability Insurance

401k

Paid time off

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs in California seeks an Instructional Aide to support students in grades K-12 within a Special Education program. You will assist with implementing IEPs, provide individualized instruction, supervise students, and collaborate with teachers to build a supportive, outcome-driven classroom.

The ideal candidate is patient and empathetic, communicates clearly, and is committed to student growth.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent w/ passage of basic skills test.
• Associate degree or higher in education or related field preferred.
• Hold CA driver’s license or ability to obtain one.
• Crisis management training certification preferred.
• Paraprofessional/teaching assistant credential preferred.
• Experience in special education or behavioral health setting preferred.
• Comfortable with driving patients/students in a company van.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with instructional technology and basic IT tools.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers to create a supportive learning environment.
• Deliver individualized instruction and behavioral interventions on-site and in community settings.
• Monitor student progress and communicate results to teachers.
• Support development of community, vocational, leisure, and social skills.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and documentation.
• Prepare behavioral reports and daily activity logs.
• Engage with families and staff about student needs and progress.
• Assist with accreditation and site performance activities.
• Participate in meetings to support student outcomes.
• Perform additional duties to support student success.

Skills

Patience

Empathy

Communication

Instruction support

Behavioral observation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher preferred

CA state driver's license

Crisis management training certification

Tools

Instructional technology

Microsoft Office Suite

Database entry

Office equipment

Job description

Starting Rate: $22 - $27 /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.

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs 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 50 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 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 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 Your Chance! 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 © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight company Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.