Paraeducator Level 1

SAN-Diego-Center-For-Childre; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer 3

Generous paid time off

Wellness programs

EAP

Education discounts

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

San Diego Center for Children is seeking a Paraeducator Level 1 to provide essential behavioral and academic support within a therapeutic school environment. The role requires flexibility to serve as lead instructor in high census periods or collaborate in small-group settings under the guidance of a credentialed Education Specialist.

Responsibilities include data collection, classroom management, and implementing individual student goals, with opportunities for professional development and

Qualifications

• Valid California Driver’s License and reliable transportation.
• Possession of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and either 48 semester hours or an associate degree.
• Completion of San Diego Center for Children’s Paraeducator Competency Exam (PCE).
• Experience with Special Education populations or Youth with behavioral/emotional challenges.

Responsibilities

• Deliver differentiated instruction to meet diverse academic and behavioral needs.
• Act as primary instructor in high census periods and support lead teacher in low census periods.
• Provide targeted academic interventions in small groups.
• Maintain attendance, grades, data collection, and progress reporting.
• Communicate regularly with teachers, counselors, and administrators regarding student progress.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Team collaboration

Classroom management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Two years of college (48 semester hours)

Associate degree or higher

Tools

PCE Competency Exam

CPR/First Aid Certification

Job description

By joining the San Diego Center for Children, you will empower children and families through transformative mental health care and educational services. Our vision is to inspire a world where children and families live joyful, healthy lives. We serve over 1,000 people every day - are you ready to make an impact?Join us - and work with purpose!POSITION BENEFITSTeam-oriented, Multidisciplinary ApproachOngoing, High-Level Learning and Development OpportunitiesCulturally Diverse EnvironmentJoint Commission Accredited OrganizationComprehensive Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet)Retirement Savings Plan: 403(b) - With Employer Match Up To 3%Generous Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays)Wellness ProgramsEAP - Employee Assistance ProgramEmployee Discounts For Those Pursuing a Higher EducationEmployee DiscountsEmployee Recognition ProgramOpportunities for Career AdvancementMay Be Eligible For State or Federal Loan Forgiveness Programs For Work With Underserved PopulationsAll Offsite Programs Have a Bonus StructureSUMMARYThe Paraeducator Level 1 role at San Diego Center for Children provides essential behavioral and academic support to students with diverse learning needs within a structured therapeutic school environment. This entry-level role requires high flexibility, as the educator may serve as the lead instructor in insurance-only classrooms or provide collaborative small group support and co-teaching within district funded classrooms. Working closely under the guidance of a credentialed Education Specialists, the Paraeducator Level role focuses heavily on clinical and academic data collection, classroom management, and the day to day implementation of individual student goals.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESInstructional Delivery and Census Based Roles:Use differentiated instructional strategies to meet the diverse academic and behavioral needs of students.Integrate technology and hands-on activities to enhance learning.High Census Coverage: Act as the primary instructor for insurance-based classrooms when student enrollment (census) is high, ensuring the delivery of curriculum and maintenance of a therapeutic environment.Low Census Collaboration: During periods of low census, transition to a co-teaching model within classroom settings to support the lead teacher in instructional delivery.Academic Interventions: Pull small groups of students to provide targeted academic interventions and specialized support as outlined in student IEPs.Campus-Wide Support: Facilitate and fill substitute needs across the campus to ensure continuity of instruction and student safety during staff absences.Monitoring & Evaluation:Review psychoeducational reports, IEPs and regularly assess students' progress toward their IEP goals.Adjust instructional strategies and support, as needed to ensure students’ growth.Participate in multidisciplinary team discussions to evaluate and update IEPs.Behavioral Support and Classroom Management:Provide one-on-one or group assistance to students and behavioral interventions as outlined in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).Implement evidence-based strategies to support learning and behavior management.Respond promptly and effectively to behavioral crisis, following school protocols and utilizing de-escalation strategies.Establish and maintain a structured, supportive classroom environment for supervision of students.Use positive behavior reinforcement and implement behavior intervention plans, as needed.Manage classroom dynamics effectively to ensure a safe and productive learning space.Administrative Responsibilities:Maintain accurate records of attendance, grades, data collection, and other required documentation.Complete progress reports and report cards in a timely manner.Ensure compliance with all school policies, IEP, CDE requirements and procedures.Record and maintain accurate data related to student behavior and academic progress.Communicate regularly with teachers, counselors, and administrators regarding student progress and any challenges.Participate in team meetings and provide insights to develop effective student interventions.Maintain accurate and detailed session notes, data collection logs, and progress reports.Submit documentation in compliance with organizational and ethical guidelines.Professional Development:Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.Stay current on best practices in education, including trauma-informed care and inclusive teaching strategies.Participate in ongoing training and professional development as required by the San Diego Center for Children.Leadership and Mentorship:Assist in training new Behavioral and Academic Aides on school policies, procedures, and best practices.Serve as a role model and mentor for aides, offering guidance, coaching, and feedback.Facilitate communication between aides and classroom teachers to ensure consistent support for students.Crisis Intervention:Respond promptly and effectively to behavioral crisis, following school protocols and utilizing de-escalation strategies.Assist in implementing Safe and Positive Approaches (SPA) techniques when necessary.Other Duties as Assigned:Perform additional responsibilities to support the Academy’s goals and ensure the safety and well-being of students.On The Job Mandatory Ongoing Trainings:Maintain all certifications and licenses required for the role, ensuring they remain current.Complete and stay up to date with all mandatory trainings as specified and assigned by the San Diego Center for Children, including but not limited to: Intervention Toolbox, CPR and First Aid Certification, S.P.A. Certification, False Claims, HIPAA, Safety, Trauma Informed Care, and Annual Block Trainings as assigned.Restraint and Safety Training Requirements:Apply Safe and Positive Approaches (SPA) restraint techniques, which may involve:Lifting or holding a child in standing, sitting, or ground-level positions.Separating clients who are acting in an unsafe manner to ensure the safety of both clients and staff.Prolonged standing, bending, and transitioning youth from standing to a seated position.Behavioral and Emotional Challenges:Due to the emotional instability of the clients, the employee may be subjected to physical aggression, including but not limited to: Kicking, hitting, punching, biting, and hair pulling.Vision Requirements: Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Pandemic Conditions:Must be able to perform job duties during a pandemic (e.g., COVID-19) and use technology to interact with and engage students.LANGUAGE SKILLSAbility to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, journals, reports, and legal documents; Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; Ability to effectively present information to management and public groupsREASONING ABILITYAbility to read, analyze, and interpret medical records, journals, reports, and legal documents; Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community; Ability to effectively present information to management and public groupsPHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hand to finger; or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Due to the emotional instability of the clients the employee may be subjected to kicking, hitting, punching, biting, hair pulling, etc. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Most services will be provided in or near the homes of the families we serve. Employees are considered essential service providers and will be expected to work with families in need during pandemics or natural disasters.DIVERSITY STATEMENTThe San Diego Center for Children is committed to:Actively recruiting, retaining, and supporting diverse staff at all levels of the organization.Ensuring that diverse perspectives are included in the development and implementation of policies, practices and services, and that individuals feel empowered to advance our mission within an atmosphere of trust, safety, and respect.Encourage and provide access to professional development in order to deliver equitable and culturally informed services to the population we serve.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Valid California Driver’s License and Reliable TransportationMust be 21 Years of Age or OlderPossession of a Secondary School Diploma or its Recognized Equivalent and one of the following:Completion of at least Two Years of Study (minimum 48 semester hours) at an Institution of Higher EducationPossession of an Associate's (or higher) DegreePassing a rigorous assessment that demonstrates the knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instruction, reading, writing, and mathematics (San Diego Center for Children’s Paraeducator Competency Exam [PCE]).Experience working with Special Education Populations or Youth with Behavioral/Emotional ChallengesDemonstrate the ability to manage classroom dynamics and deliver specialized academic instruction under the guidance of a credentialed Education Specialist.Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skillsAbility to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary teamPREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:30 Day Substitute CredentialBilingual (English/Spanish)Familiarity with evidence-based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, or Positive Youth Development.