Teaching Assistant at Spectrum Center Schools and Programs

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an Instructional Aide II to join our award-winning 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 an Instructional Aide II, you will provide individualized supervision and instruction to assigned students and additional support to the core classroom staff.  Working with student(s) to implement their Individualized Education Programs (IEP), you will utilize group and individual instruction in the classroom and community.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Implementing curriculum (including all on-site and community-based instruction) and behavioral intervention strategies consistent with the letter and intent of the IEP/ITP (Individual Transition Plan)/ PBIP (Positive Behavior Intervention Plan) to meet each student’s goals and objectives.
• Consulting with supervisor on the progress of students and the implementation of the IEP/ITP/PBIP, and assisting in transition plans for integrating the student back to a public school placement (mainstreaming/inclusion) or to an adult program. Writing progress reports, developing and modifying data sheets, and developing curriculum.
• Following the classroom schedule which addresses each student’s IEP/ITP goals including community and vocational goals, group instruction, any designated instructional services (DIS) and/or schedule revisions.
• Completing accurate and timely documentation on student’s behavior as outlined by school procedures; reporting observations to relevant staff and making recommendations based on observations. Assisting in preparation of other behavioral reports and daily activities log as required, and maintaining confidentiality of student information and records at all times.
• Participating in the data collection process by collecting, recording, and maintaining data required by student programs, classroom records, and data computer systems as assigned by supervisor; and providing input for the development of Functional Analyses of Behavior and Positive Behavior Intervention Plans.
• Performing job coaching duties as assigned, by assisting in the training of students, on campus or at community job sites in appropriate work behavior and specific employment skills. Keeping supervisor informed of issues regarding student’s vocational skills and/or placement.
• Providing for the basic physical needs of students as needed (e.g. toileting and diapering, ensuring students receive their medications, assisting with feeding students, assisting with hygiene, etc.).
• Maintaining safety and security of the facility through close observation and monitoring of the students, maintaining optimal physical proximity, remaining alert at all times, and using analytical forethought to anticipate potentially volatile or unsafe situations to proactively intervene.
• Complying with all company policies/procedures and regulatory requirements, and reporting any known or suspected violations to his/her supervisor or through other means identified in company policy.
• Providing appropriate crisis intervention as necessary using the least restrictive method by anticipating and responding quickly to escalating behaviors, utilizing appropriate de-escalation techniques to diffuse the situation, correctly prioritizing safety concerns, following proper physical restraint techniques, and displaying neutral emotions.
• Meeting school and regulatory training requirements by attending all mandatory meetings and training sessions as required.
• Assuring cleanliness and orderliness of the classroom by assisting in cleaning, filing, and preparing materials and proactively assisting in all security, maintenance, and safety functions as required for the overall facility.
• Participating as a team member and promoting a positive work environment by demonstrating cooperation, compromise, appropriate expression of opinion, and by treating others with consideration, courtesy, and respect.
• Assisting with other daily classroom functions and special assignments as directed; including, but not limited to, substitute teaching.
• Acting as the primary instructor, supervisor and mentor to students and staff when the teacher is absent, including credential communication coverage with families and management of classroom systems as needed.
• Providing classroom orientation for new staff per agency guidelines and as directed by the teacher.
• Assisting with the planning and preparation of educational materials and activities and maintaining individual student data binders and communication devices/books.
• Assisting the teacher in managing the classroom budget, records and environment.
• Serving as an aide (also known as a “rider”) to provide supervision and management of student behavior during transportation routes in Spectrum owned vehicles (at applicable campuses).
• Providing (at applicable campuses) transportation for students by driving a Spectrum owned vehicle with student/s who require transportation to and/or from school. This responsibility requires an employee provided DMV driving record report.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field.
• Hold currently or have the ability to obtain an “Emergency 30 Day Sub Permit” within 90 days of starting employment.
• Valid CA state driver's license.
• Minimum 3 years prior experience working with children in an education and/or classroom setting.
• Prior experience working with children with autism, developmental disabilities and/or challenging behaviors in a special education program setting preferred.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency situation and make independent decisions.
• Solid motivational skills and willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and new initiatives.
• Highly effective oral and written communication, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, decision making and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of computer software applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Spectrum Center Schools is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 45 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!

Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

As a member of the ChanceLight family you will be provided with the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment!

‖ Additional Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Virtual Medical Visits
• Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• 401k Options
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start changing the direction of students' lives by providing them the opportunity to create successful, independent futures — this is your Chance!

Join us and start making a genuine difference in the lives of children TODAY!

Careers, With ChanceLight. Work. With Purpose.

^{Copyright © 2024 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company  *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.} 

Education

• Bachelors or better in Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• Driver Licenses
• 30 Day Substitute Permit

Skills

• Special Education
• Multiple Disabilities
• Autism
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Support
• Personalized Instruction
• Classroom Management
• Problem Solving
• Conflict Resolution
• Interpersonal Skills
• Office/Administrative

Behaviors

• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Motivations

• 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/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)