Instructional Aide, Autism Support

Santa Cruz County Office of Education; California; On-site; USD 37,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vision, dental and medical coverage

CalPERS retirement

Education stipends

Job summary

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education seeks an Instructional Aide to support students with autism within the Special Education Department. Under the direction of a certificated Special Education Teacher, you will assist with tutoring and helping students acquire learning, behavior and social skills.

Work sites vary across the county in a 10-month assignment. This role is 32.5 hours per week (0.8125 FTE) and Employment Type: Full Time, with compensation based on the 2026-2027 Classified

Qualifications

• Education and experience in special education and autism.
• CPR and first aid certifications required or obtainable.
• Valid California driver's license and insurance.

Responsibilities

• Assist certificated teacher in autism-focused classroom.
• Provide tutoring and support for learning, behavior and social skills.
• Work with students across various sites in Santa Cruz County.
• Help implement IEP/IFSP goals under supervision.

Skills

Experience with special education

Autism/ASD support knowledge

Classroom tutoring

Education

High school diploma (12th grade)

CPR and First Aid certification

California driver's license

Job description

Instructional Aide, Autism Support at Santa Cruz County Office Of Education

Application Deadline

Until Filled

Date Posted

9/14/2026

Contact

Ana De Leon-Romero

Number of Openings

1

Salary

Pay Range

$27.20 - $34.29 Per Hour

Add'l Salary Info

Based on the 2026-2027 Classified Salary Schedule (salary range placement depends on relevant education/experience).

Length of Work Year

32.5 hours per week/10 months per year/ 0.8125 FTE

Employment Type

Full Time

About The Employer

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is committed to ensuring all students have the educational opportunities they need to thrive. We offer a wide range of services and programs geared at supporting our 10 public school districts and expanding educational opportunities and outcomes for over 37,000 students who call Santa Cruz County home. We envision an impactful educational community where everyone feels they belong and have the resources, relationships, and skills to thrive. Our mission is to create an equitable educational system that fosters growth, opportunities, and well-being for all. We work alongside partners in Santa Cruz County’s educational community to build BRIDGES — Belonging, Relationships, Innovation, Data-informed decision-making, Growth mindsets, Excellence, and Sustainability — to equity in education.

The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Summary

This position will be assigned to the Special Education Department: Under the daily direction of a certificated Special Education Teacher experienced in Autism, PDD, and other severe neurological disorders, and the general supervision of the Special Education Sr. Director or designee, administers tutoring and support services to students in a classroom setting in acquiring learning, behavior and social skills. Goals are established by the collaborative educational team and the student’s individualized educational plans (IEP/IFSP). This class is distinguished from other classes in the Instructional family by being assigned to work with students in the SCCOE collaborative partnership for students with autism. Work sites vary and will extend from across the county. This is a 10-month position in which the employee will report from August to May while school is in session. There may be an opportunity to work in the summer.

Requirements / Qualifications

Please read the full job description. Education and Experience: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in child development, education or a related field is desirable. Some experience working with special education students and/or children with Autism, PDD or other neurological disorders is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance. Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR and first aid certificates.

Benefits

• Employees assigned to this schedule are entitled to receive vision, dental and medical coverage for the employee and their dependents.
• Employees have a choice between various medical plans.
• Each plan may have an employee premium contribution amount for which the employee can utilize a tax sheltered Section 125 Plan.
• The COE contribution is prorated based on FTE.
• Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS).
• CalPERS members are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan.
• The employee also receives long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• For more information please review the Classified Summary of the Benefits Administration Page on the Santa Cruz County Office of Education website or read it on the link to the right under Links Related to this Job.
• The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides an Associate Degree stipend of $375, a Bachelor’s Degree stipend of $750, a Master's Degree stipend of $1,500, a Doctorate Degree (no Master's) of $1,500 or a Doctorate Degree (with Master's) of an additional $400 per year for eligible employees.
• Degree stipend is prorated based upon full time equivalency.

Links Related To This Job

• Classified Benefits Summary, 10-1-26
• View Other Job Desc. / Ess. Elem.

CalPERS Links

Not all postings qualify for CalPERS. Informational Only.

• CalPERS Retirement Benefits