Instructional Assistant (Paraeducator)

Prismhr Hire; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent PTO

Comprehensive Benefits

Professional Development

Free Lunch

Casual Dress Code

Growth Opportunities

Job summary

Serendipity Center is seeking an Instructional Assistant to support therapeutic education, behavior strategies, and daily classroom activities. You will work closely with teachers, Program Assistants, and a diverse team to help students access learning and develop essential skills.

The role emphasizes implementing Collaborative Problem Solving, providing individualized or small group support, and upholding safety protocols throughout the school day.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; 3–6 months experience with school‑aged children.
• Current CPI certification (can be obtained on the job).
• Clear written and verbal communication; organized and able to prioritize work.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions; capable of independent work.

Responsibilities

• Assist with classroom instruction and behavior support as directed.
• Follow BSP and crisis intervention procedures (CPI) to ensure student safety.
• Provide tutoring and redirect students to support learning goals.
• Maintain confidentiality and safety of students and families.

Skills

Communication

Time management

Written communication

Multitasking

Independent work

Basic math

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Transforming Education, Empowering Lives: Support as our Instructional Assistant at Serendipity Center

Serendipity Center is leading the way in therapeutic education, offering a holistic approach that integrates Mental Health, Special Education, Wellness, and Transition Readiness. Our mission is clear: to empower students who need extra time, attention, and skill development to reach their full potential. As we grow, we are seeking a dedicated Instructional Assistant to help support our educational and administrative efforts.

Why Serendipity Center?

At Serendipity Center, you’ll find more than just a job – you’ll find a community committed to excellence and support. As a private non-profit institution, we provide all the resources necessary for student success conveniently located on campus. Our commitment to small class sizes ensures that each student receives personalized attention, supported by a diverse team that includes teachers, Program Assistants, and a comprehensive array of professionals.

Perks and Benefits:

• Excellent PTO: Enjoy plenty of time off (48/ hours of PTO/ 1st year) allowing for a healthy work-life balance, including breaks during school closures calculated out to a minimum of 32 paid days off during the school year.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Receive full health benefits starting on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. Participate in our 403(B)-retirement plan with a match after 1 year.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of ongoing professional development opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career.
• Free Lunch: Enjoy free lunches during scheduled school days prepared by our kitchen team, featuring fresh ingredients from our garden.
• Casual Dress Code: Show up as your most authentic self and wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable and expresses your individual style.
• Growth Opportunities: Benefit from opportunities for personal and professional growth within a supportive and synergetic environment.

You’ll Drive the Mission By:

• Participates with mental health and classroom staff in implementing a BSP for assigned student that addresses lagging skills and replacement behaviors that the student must master to no longer require the support of a Skills Trainer.
• Observes all students to detect noticeable changes in behavior, and aids or restrains them to prevent injury to themselves or others; performs crisis intervention and CPI approved physical management.
• Coaches student to focus on the acquisition and practice of skills outlined by BSP and other general decision making and academic skills.
• Provides individualized or small group instruction, as directed by classroom teacher, using lessons and materials developed by teacher.
• Assess continually the needed level of intervention to support and facilitate the learning activities in the classroom; observes and controls behavior of student according to approved procedures.
• Establishes and maintains a rapport with students characterized by professional boundaries and respect; adapts interaction style for the needs of individual students.
• Models and teaches using CPS, appropriate social behavior and appropriate school behavior in the classroom and schoolwide.
• Accompanies assigned student to and from areas of the school, maintaining supervision expectations with line of sight.
• Assists assigned student in becoming accustomed to school routine.
• Protects confidentiality of information related to students and families.
• Reports to Case Manager (or designated substitute) all suspicions of potential abuse, neglect, self-harm and/or endangerment of others, through an incident report form.
• Implement Collaborative Problem Solving and principles of Re-Education as part of our integrated intervention model.
• Provides constant supervision of students, particularly during transitions points in the school day (i.e. meals, breaks, restroom, etc.) in conjunction with other staff members, ensuring line of site.
• Supports teaching staff by providing continual re-directing, positive reinforcement, tutoring, planning with students having difficult days, and providing behavioral corrections within the classroom.
• Attends and participates actively in regular department and other staff meetings.
• Maintains familiarity with Serendipity's safety protocols and implements all required instruction, drills and procedures.

What Makes You Qualified?

• Education/experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); 3-6 months experience working with school-aged children.
• Certification/Licenses: current CPI certification (can be obtained on the job).
• General Skills: Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Must be able to effectively organize and prioritize work. Must be able to follow written and oral instructions. Must concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work independently. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Computer Skills: Proficient with email communication, Basic knowledge of word processing applications. General MS word, outlook, and data entry skill.
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to frequently perform physical management techniques on children. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to assault by a student. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally may be very loud.