Instructional Aide II

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision plans

Telehealth and virtual counseling

Life & Disability insurance

401k retirement plan

Paid time off

School hours and holidays

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is seeking an Instructional Aide II to join our Special Education team. You will deliver personalized support to students in Grades K-12, collaborate with teachers, and implement individualized strategies to enhance classroom effectiveness.

You will be involved in data collection, progress reporting, and contributing to IEP/ITP/PBIP processes, while also supporting job coaching and community-based activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field.
• Ability to obtain CA Emergency 30 Day Sub Permit within 90 days of starting.
• Valid CA state driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain Crisis Management training certification.
• Minimum 3 years' experience providing instruction, guidance and/or support to children, preferably in special education or behavioral health.
• Prior experience with lesson planning, classroom management and personalized instruction.

Responsibilities

• Deliver personalized support and guidance to students in Grades K-12.
• Collaborate with teachers and educational staff to implement individualized strategies.
• Maintain accurate documentation of student behaviors and progress.
• Assist with functional behavioral assessments and PBIP development.
• Provide hands-on vocational training and job coaching on campus and in community sites.
• Ensure student safety, manage behavior, and respond to crises as needed.
• Support transportation needs when required, including riding Spectrum vehicles.
• Assist with classroom operations, materials preparation, and substitute teaching when needed.

Skills

Experience with special education

Classroom management

Communication skills

Adaptability

Driver with vehicle transport

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in education or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database entry

Job description

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an Instructional Aide II 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 excel in a dynamic, student-centered environment, are passionate about making a meaningful difference in special education, and possess adaptability, creativity, a positive mindset, and a genuine commitment to student success — We Should Talk!

As an Instructional Aide II, you’ll deliver personalized support and guidance to students, in Grades K-12, enriching their educational experiences and enhancing classroom effectiveness. Collaborating closely with teachers and other educational professionals, you'll implement individualized strategies and foster student success in both classroom and community settings.

• Implementing engaging and personalized curriculum—including on-site and community-based activities—and behavioral intervention strategies aligned with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individual Transition Plan (ITP), and Positive Behavior Intervention Plan (PBIP).
• Consulting actively with your supervisor regarding student progress and adjustments to the IEP/ITP/PBIP, assisting transitions to mainstream environments or adult programs, and contributing meaningful input through progress reports, data sheets, and tailored curriculum modifications.
• Following and enriching the classroom schedule, aligning activities closely with students’ academic, community, and vocational objectives, and addressing individualized educational services and necessary adjustments.
• Completing precise, timely documentation of student behaviors, sharing insightful observations with relevant staff, and recommending strategies based on these observations while maintaining the confidentiality of all student records.
• Participating proactively in data collection and analysis, accurately recording essential student information, and providing critical input for the development of Functional Behavioral Assessments and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Performing impactful job coaching duties, facilitating hands‑on vocational training and mentoring students in job‑related skills on campus and at community work sites, and updating supervisors regularly about vocational development and placement opportunities.
• Providing compassionate support for students’ physical care needs such as toileting, medication administration, feeding, and personal hygiene, ensuring dignity and comfort are always maintained.
• Maintaining vigilant oversight of classroom safety by continuously monitoring student activities, anticipating and addressing potential safety concerns swiftly and proactively.
• Complying thoroughly with company policies and regulatory requirements, promptly reporting any concerns or violations.
• Providing swift, calm, and appropriate crisis intervention when necessary, prioritizing student and staff safety, employing effective de‑escalation techniques, and maintaining emotional neutrality during challenging situations.
• Meeting essential school and regulatory training requirements through consistent participation in mandatory meetings and professional development sessions.
• Assuring a clean, organized, and welcoming learning environment through proactive assistance in cleaning, organizing materials, and supporting overall facility safety and maintenance.
• Participating enthusiastically in the team environment, fostering cooperation, effective communication, mutual respect, and a positive work culture.
• Assisting effectively with classroom operations and special projects as directed, including substitute teaching responsibilities.
• Acting confidently as the primary instructor and supervisor in the teacher’s absence, providing clear communication with families and maintaining effective classroom systems.
• Providing thorough orientation and support to new staff, ensuring they are well‑integrated and knowledgeable about agency guidelines.
• Assisting creatively with educational planning, preparation of engaging materials, and meticulous maintenance of student data binders and communication resources.
• Assisting collaboratively with classroom management, including budgeting, record‑keeping, and maintaining a stimulating learning environment.
• Serving diligently as an aide (“rider”) during transportation routes, ensuring student safety and behavioral management on Spectrum vehicles (where applicable).
• Providing dependable student transportation by driving Spectrum vehicles safely, responsibly managing daily routes (where applicable, DMV report required).
• Performing additional relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a CA “Emergency 30 Day Sub Permit” within 90 days of beginning employment.
• 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.
• Minimum 3yr's prior experience providing instruction, guidance and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services, lesson planning, classroom management and personalized instruction preferred.
• Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders, and/or other related disabilities.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations that help students move toward realistic goals.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions.
• Willingness and ability to drive a company van and transport students within the community.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision‑making ability.
• Well‑versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with computers, 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
• 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.