Substitute: Instructional Support Specialist Eligibility Pool (2026-27)

Young World Physical Education; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 23,264 - 33,134; Part time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking a Substitute Instructional Support Specialist for the Oakland Unified School District. This role involves providing core curriculum instruction and support to students with disabilities, implementing behavioral intervention strategies, and participating in IEP meetings.

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in education or a related field, along with experience working with behaviorally challenged students. This position offers a starting salary of $20.47 per hour and requires immediate availability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education or related field required.
• Minimum one year of experience with behaviorally challenged students.
• 40 hours of training in ABA required.

Responsibilities

• Provide core curriculum instruction and behavioral intervention in classrooms.
• Participate in IEP meetings and implement behavior intervention plans.
• Assist students with daily functioning activities.

Skills

Behavior techniques

Instructional support

Positive reinforcement

Crisis intervention

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work

Job description

Job Description

Substitute: Instructional Support Specialist Eligibility Pool (2026‑27) – Oakland Unified School District – Oakland, California. Starting immediately. Position ID: 5760767. Salary: $20.47 per hour.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related behavioral sciences.
• 40 hours of training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA).
• Current certification or willingness to obtain Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI).
• Minimum one year of experience working with students presenting behavioral challenges eligible for special education (Emotional Disturbance, Autism, Intellectual Disability).
• Experience implementing intensive behavioral intervention programs.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certificates.
• Valid California Driver’s License (if applicable).

Requirements for Hire

• Complete application (including three references).
• Successfully complete an interview with a member of the Substitute Office or Recruitment Team.
• Provide the following materials: negative TB test (current within 60 days), sealed copies of all college transcripts, valid driver’s license or ID card, permanent residency card or U.S. passport, Social Security card (no copies).
• All hires contingent on passing a criminal background check.

Essential Functions

• Under guidance of a certificated teacher, provide core curriculum instruction and behavior intervention to students with disabilities (Pre‑K through young adult) in an assigned classroom or program; support students in meeting goals and objectives, including those with IEPs.
• Participate in Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meetings; read IEP goals to support instruction; support implementation of behavior intervention plans for all special education students; provide positive reinforcement to special education students experiencing behavior difficulties; support non‑special education students with behavior problems when it does not interfere with special education responsibilities.
• Follow schedules for implementing student instruction and behavior plans; participate in staff development programs to reinforce interventions for students needing instructional or behavioral support.
• Help prepare for periodic inspections of classroom environments to assure standards of plan implementation are maintained.
• Confer with behavior specialists, administrators, teachers and site staff regarding individual student progress toward behavior plan goals.
• Help manage student behavior; intervene in crisis or emergency situations involving aggressive or uncontrolled behavior of identified students; restrain disruptive or dangerous students when certified and only when student is a danger.
• Work cooperatively with classroom teachers, interpreting abilities and disabilities of students; assist in classroom intervention strategies; modify general education curriculum as necessary; assist students with class assignments.
• Assure compliance with governmental regulations, codes and reporting requirements; notify appropriate personnel and agencies of reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions or potential suicide.
• Provide data to teachers and other staff to inform student progress reports to parents.
• Support teachers and administrators in coordinating and monitoring student behavior contracts; verify completion of appropriate interventions and behavior consequences.
• Maintain detailed records, files and data logs.
• Monitor response to behavior intervention and instruction for special education students.
• Perform clerical duties: duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers, recording grades; assist in attendance; prepare files and reports regarding student discipline, interventions and consequences.
• Provide support to teachers by setting up work areas, operating audio‑visual equipment, distributing and collecting materials; confer with teachers about programs and materials to meet student needs.
• Administer, monitor and score tests and assignments; rephrase materials and explain instructions and words.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Communicate expectations, provide guidance and demonstrate active interest in student progress.
• Facilitate self‑reliance, problem‑solving, critical‑thinking, creativity and performance skills.
• Supervise in non‑academic settings (e.g., lunchroom, mealtime procedures); feed and clean as needed.
• Serve as a positive role model and develop rapport with students.
• Maintain basic computer knowledge (Microsoft Office).
• Attend meetings, workshops and professional development.
• Adhere to site and department codes of conduct; promote a professional image of the district.
• Respond to emergency situations to ensure immediate resolution and proper documentation of safety concerns.
• Assist with transportation of students and repositioning of students requiring medical equipment; ensure safe use of wheelchairs, prosthetic devices and other equipment.
• Assist students with washing, toileting, diapering, dressing, grooming and other personal hygiene activities as needed.
• Provide basic first aid and specialized health care as needed.
• Volunteer to be trained to administer Diastat and perform other medical procedures when trained and supervised.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge

• Behavior techniques; guiding and motivating students; special education needs, issues and requirements.
• Common Core Standards, Content Standards, Curriculum, Response to Intervention, Full Service Community Schools.
• Positive reinforcement systems and behavioral strategies to maintain safe learning environments.
• 13 disability categories per California Education Code.
• Current district curriculum and instructional programs.
• Assessment utilization to guide instruction.
• Child growth and development, developmental behavior characteristics.
• Lifting and moving children who cannot assist.
• Student guidance principles and practices.
• Basic record‑keeping, classroom procedures, appropriate student conduct.
• Safe contact with bodily fluids and communicable diseases.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation.
• Technology and computer applications relevant for instruction.
• Operating office, audio‑visual equipment.

Abilities

• Apply identified behavior techniques; physically restrain and control students safely when required.
• Participate in emergency behavior intervention training.
• Assist teachers in meeting educational goals of students with behavior needs.
• Work safely and calmly in emergencies.
• Assist with instruction and activities in assigned learning environment.
• Reinforce instruction to individuals or small groups.
• Show patient, receptive attitude toward children with special needs.
• Perform basic arithmetic accurately.
• Follow oral and written directions.
• Assist students with daily functioning activities (feeding, toileting, positioning).
• Remain calm and exercise judgment in emergencies.
• Gather data and prepare reports.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with staff, parents, and community.
• Work independently with guidance and follow policies.
• Work confidentially and discreetly.
• Communicate effectively in English.
• Analyze situations accurately and choose effective actions.
• Supervise and discipline students per approved policies.
• Use technology and computer software.
• Use tact, patience, courtesy in people matters.
• Be sensitive to diverse backgrounds.
• Use initiative in discussing policies with staff.
• Follow laws and regulations.
• Qualify for First Aid and CPR certificate.
• Apply integrity and trust.
• Operate personal computer and office equipment.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, or related behavioral sciences.
• 40 hours of training in ABA.
• Certification or willingness to obtain CPI.
• Minimum one year of experience with students presenting behavioral challenges eligible for special education (Emotion Disturbance, Autism, Intellectual Disability).
• Experience implementing intensive behavioral intervention programs.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certificates.
• Valid California Driver’s License (if applicable).

Pre‑Employment Process

• Employment eligibility requiring fingerprints, tuberculosis, and other clearance.
• Background check for criminal history.

Working Conditions

• Office and diverse school site environments; driving a vehicle as needed.
• Fast‑paced work; constant interruptions; exposure to illnesses.
• Physical demands: sitting or standing for extended periods; lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling up to 50 pounds; lifting students; bending, twisting, reaching overhead; dexterity, vision and hearing requirements.

Non‑Discrimination Policy

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.

Contact

• Email: [e-mail]