Para Educator – Hiring Now

Zen Educate; Alpine (TX); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Professional development

Paid sick leave

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Zen Educate is hiring para educators to support students with special needs in classroom settings. You will assist with instructional prep, supervision, and classroom management to foster a supportive learning environment.

We value ABA background, de-escalation skills, and strong communication. Roles may be part-time or full-time with hourly pay of $22–$25 and eligibility for benefits after required hours.

Qualifications

• Experience safely managing severe behavioral challenges including self-injury, elopement, aggression.
• Experience supporting individuals with Special Educational Needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• US work authorization (Zen Educate cannot sponsor).
• Candidates must be 18 years or older.

Responsibilities

• Behavioral Support: Implement and follow BIPs or IEPs.
• Individualized Support: One-on-one or small group support with positive reinforcement.
• Classroom Assistance: Help teachers maintain a positive, inclusive learning environment.
• Communication: Coordinate with teachers, parents, and staff.
• Personal Care: Assist with hygiene as needed.
• Note taking: Record data and progress notes.

Skills

ABA training

RBT certification

Behavior management

De-escalation

Tools

AAC Devices

Job description

Job description

Salary: $22 — $25 per hour

Job Type: Part-time, Full-time

We’re hiring now! Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you’re passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a role where you can make a real impact, this could be your next step.

We are looking for paraprofessionals and classroom aides to support special education students. Now’s your chance to get set up for success and be ready to create strong bonds and make a lasting impact.

About Zen Educate

Zen Educate connects schools with passionate, high-quality educators through a simple and transparent hiring process. We partner with public and charter schools to help them find the right staff, while making it easier for educators to discover roles that fit their skills, preferences, and career goals. Our mission is to create better outcomes for students by supporting the educators who make it happen, through smarter matching, fairer pay, and ongoing support.

In this essential Teacher Aide position, you will be a key support figure in the classroom, assisting with instructional preparation, student supervision during various activities, and contributing to overall classroom management.

Key Responsibilities

• Behavioral Support: Implement and follow Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) or Individualized Education Plan (IEPs)

• Individualized Support: Provide one-on-one or small group support using positive reinforcement and de-escalation strategies to promote self-regulation, social-emotional skills, and engagement.

• Classroom Assistance: Collaborate with teachers to maintain a positive, inclusive learning environment and encourage student participation.

• Communication: Work closely with teachers, parents, and staff to ensure consistent and effective support for students.

• Personal Care: Support with personal care or hygiene as needed, including toileting, feeding, and dressing.

• Note taking: Taking notes and recording data on students progres

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated hands-on experience safely managing and de-escalating SEVERE behavioural challenges (including but not limited to self-injurious behaviour, elopement, physical aggression toward staff/peers) – ABA training or at least 10 months of behavior tech/interventionist experience or RBT certification

• Experience supporting individuals with Special Educational Needs

• Experience with elopement, nonverbal and or aggressive behaviors

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to stay calm and patient in challenging situations

• English proficiency

• U.S. work authorization (Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time)

• Candidates must be 18 years or older to apply

Physical Requirements

• Comfortable being on your feet and moving around the classroom throughout the day

• Able to lift up to 20 lbs and safely assist students when needed (kneeling, bending, quick response)

• Additional physical requirements may be requested during your application process

Preferred Qualifications

3 months of experience de-escalating SEVERE behaviours (including self-injurious behaviour, elopement & physical aggression towards staff/peers).

Experience in Special Education, particularly with moderate to severe behaviours, ABA Therapy, Behaviour Technician Experience, or AAC Devices.

Knowledge of behavioral intervention strategies.

CPR and First Aid certification.

ProAct Training.

Salary

Pay: $22 – $24.5 per hour

Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am – 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work).

Benefits and other offerings

• Weekly pay by direct deposit, with paper check available on request

• Professional development, including in-app training, paid role-specific certifications where applicable, and additional development opportunities depending on role and location

• Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local law

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,560 hours in a 12 month period.

• 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,000 hours in a 12 month period or more than 500 hours/year in a 24 month period.