Substitute Instructional Aide
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs in Buena Park, CA seeks a Substitute Instructional Aide to support students in a Special Education program at the high school level. You will work closely with teachers to implement IEP goals in classroom and community settings, delivering targeted instruction with care and structure.
This role offers meaningful work in a fast-paced environment, with opportunities to grow within ChanceLight's network.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent w/ passage of basic skills test.
- Associate degree or higher in education or a closely related field preferred.
- Ability to obtain and maintain certification in crisis management training.
- Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a CA state driver's license.
- Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a paraprofessional, paraeducator, teaching assistant or similar credential preferred.
- Prior experience providing instruction, guidance and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
- Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
- Comfortable driving and/or riding in a company van with students before and/or after school.
- Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
- Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Deliver individualized supervision and targeted instruction to assigned students while reinforcing classroom core team functions.
- Implement curriculum and behavioral intervention strategies aligned with IEPs/ITPs/PBIPs.
- Deliver high-quality instruction and monitor student engagement during lessons.
- Track progress and collaborate with teachers to address needs or interventions.
- Document student behaviors promptly and accurately for records and reports.
- Maintain daily activity logs and ensure confidentiality of student information.
- Attend school meetings, conferences and advisory sessions as requested.
- Respond constructively to feedback to improve instructional effectiveness.
- Perform additional duties to support a safe, structured learning environment.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
? Starting Rate: $18 /hour? Environment: Special Education Program, High School
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking a SubstituteInstructional Aide 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 thrive in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, outcome-driven environment, seek a career with genuine purpose, and possess a problem-solving mindset, a sense of humor, and a stellar work ethic —We Should Talk!?
As a Substitute Instructional Aide, you will deliver individualized supervision and targeted instruction to assigned students while reinforcing the effectiveness of the core classroom team. In the absence of the regular classroom aide, you will partner closely with educators to execute each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) through structured group and one-on-one instruction across classroom and community environments.
‖ Responsibilities Include:
- Supporting students in strengthening their community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills to promote greater independence and confidence.
- Implementing curriculum—including on-site and community-based instruction—and behavioral intervention strategies aligned with the intent and requirements of each student’s IEP/ITP (Individual Transition Plan)/PBIP (Positive Behavior Intervention Plan).
- Delivering high-quality instruction and monitoring student engagement during classroom lessons to ensure consistency, structure, and fidelity to instructional plans.
- Encouraging student growth by tracking progress against established timelines and collaborating with the classroom teacher to address emerging needs or recommend targeted interventions.
- Documenting student behaviors accurately and promptly in accordance with school procedures and communicating key observations and actionable insights to appropriate staff.
- Assisting in preparing behavioral reports and maintaining daily activity logs to ensure comprehensive and compliant recordkeeping.
- Safeguarding the confidentiality of all student information and educational records at all times.
- Participating in school meetings, student and parent conferences, and advisory sessions as requested to support alignment and shared accountability.
- Responding constructively to formal and informal feedback to continuously refine instructional effectiveness.
- Performing additional duties as assigned to support a safe, structured, and student-centered learning environment.
‖ Qualifications Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent w/ passage of basic skills test.
- Associate degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study preferred.
- Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
- Hold currently or have the ability to obtain a CA state driver's license.
- Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a paraprofessional, paraeducator, teaching assistant or similar credential preferred.
- Prior experience providing instruction, guidance and/or support to children; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
- Highly skilled in working with children with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
- Comfortable driving and/or riding in a company van with students before and/or after school.
- Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
- Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
- 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 Programsis a division ofChanceLight 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 than240,000 student lives!
? Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:
- 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 a 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
- Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
- 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 YourChance!
Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!
Copyright © 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.
Required
- High School or better in Diploma or Equivalent
Preferred
- Associates or better in Related Field of Study
Required
- Ability to Obtain
- Crisis Prevention Inst
- Driver Licenses
Preferred
- Paraprofessional
Preferred
- Special Education
- Autism
- Childcare
- Assistant Teaching
- Academic Support
- Student Coaching/Mentorship
- Personalized Instruction
- Record Keeping & Reporting
- Behavioral Support
- Performance Motivation
- Crisis Intervention
- Behavioral Disorders
- Learning Disabilities
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Computer Skills
- High School Education
Preferred
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
Preferred
- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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