Instructional Aide

Chancelight; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 30,307 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Telehealth services

Life & Disability Insurance

401k retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is seeking an Instructional Aide to join a dynamic Special Education team in a student‑centered environment. You will support classroom instruction, tailor activities to Individualized Education Programs, and help students build academic and social skills.

Responsibilities include collaborating with teachers, monitoring progress, maintaining documentation, and fostering a safe, welcoming learning space for all students.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; basic skills test passed.
• Associate degree or higher in education or a related field preferred.
• California driver’s license obtainable.
• Certification in crisis management training desirable.
• Paraprofessional or teaching assistant credential preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teachers to create a supportive learning environment.
• Implement individualized instruction aligned with IEP goals.
• Monitor and track student progress and communicate with staff.
• Manage behavior in line with school policies with teachers.
• Document student behaviors and prepare reports for staff.
• Support students in developing academic and social skills.

Skills

Driver's license

Crisis management training

Paraprofessional credential

Experience with special education

Behavioral health setting experience

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Conflict resolution

Multitasking

Problem solving

Decision making

Technology proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or higher in education or related field

Job description

Overview

Starting pay: $22-$27 per hour based on experience. Final offers extended based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related details.

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 and offers potential for personal and professional growth.

If you thrive in a supportive, student-centered, outcome-driven environment and seek a career with genuine purpose, we value patience, empathy, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic.

As an Instructional Aide, you will play a vital role in supporting students by providing personalized assistance, supervision and guidance in the classroom and community. You will collaborate with classroom educators to implement each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), tailoring instruction to their unique learning needs and empowering students to reach their full potential.

• Collaborate with classroom teachers to create a supportive, welcoming, and high-achieving learning environment where all students feel safe and valued.
• Implement engaging, individualized instruction and behavioral interventions on-site and in community settings, aligned with each student’s goals.
• Instruct and monitor students during lessons, ensure instructional fidelity, and apply targeted strategies to improve understanding and course completion.
• Track progress against timelines and communicate with teachers about student successes and areas needing intervention.
• Manage student behavior in line with school policies, in collaboration with teachers.
• Support and mentor students facing academic challenges, helping them develop community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
• Maintain clear, accurate documentation of student behaviors and performance, report observations, and offer actionable recommendations to staff.
• Prepare behavioral reports, daily activity logs, and other required documentation.
• Communicate proactively with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families regarding needs, achievements, and concerns, working with teachers and administration.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records at all times.
• Participate in assurance and accreditation activities to help achieve site performance standards.
• Participate in school-wide, student-parent, and advisory meetings to support collaborative outcomes.
• Respond positively to feedback and pursue ongoing professional growth.
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support student success and the 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 preferred.
• Hold or be able to obtain a California state driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company-approved crisis management training.
• Paraprofessional, paraeducator, teaching assistant, or similar credential preferred.
• Prior experience providing instruction, guidance, and/or support to children, preferably in an alternative, special education, or behavioral health setting.
• Experience working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioral disorders, or related disabilities.
• Comfort driving or riding in a company van with students before and/or after school.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in emergencies and make independent decisions.
• Ability to motivate and have productive conversations with students toward realistic goals.
• Strong oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of technology, including instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry, and basic office equipment.

Learn more about our history, mission, and program services at: https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision plans
• Free Telehealth and Virtual Counseling
• 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
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And more

If you’re ready to start making lasting impacts on students’ lives and contribute to a brighter future — this could be your Chance!

Join us to empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence, and unlock their full potential.