Instructional Assistant

Don't Wait for Fall - Join Our Classroom Team Today! We're hiring now! Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a full-time role where you can make a real impact, this could be your next step. Don’t wait, connect with a recruiter today and see how we can help you find the perfect role. As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, you'll work closely with licensed teachers to support K–12 students with special needs in the classroom. Your role will focus on helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally by providing one-on-one and small group assistance tailored to their IEP goals. Key Responsibilities - Behavioral Support: Implement and manage behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), provide positive reinforcement, and use de-escalation techniques as necessary. - Individualized Support: Provide personalized support to special education students, tailoring materials and strategies to their unique learning and behavioral needs. - Classroom Assistance: Assist teachers in managing classroom behaviors, fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and encouraging student participation. - Data Collection: Record and maintain detailed data on student progress, behaviors, and interventions to support the special education team. - Communication: Build and maintain effective communication with teachers, parents, and school staff to ensure cohesive and consistent support for students. Required Qualifications - High school diploma obtained in the United States - 6+ months experience supporting people with special needs (in any capacity), ideally child-focused experience - Applicants must have professional proficiency in English - US Work Authorization - Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time 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 / Experience - Experience working in special education, particularly with moderate to severe behaviors - Experience with personal care tasks, like diapering and toileting - Experience handling unexpected behaviour, such as hitting and biting - Comfortable with eloping - Experience with behaviour strategies and methodologies - Experience in collecting data and following BI plan - Associate's degree or higher (obtained in the US or US equivalency check completed) - Pro-Act training - Certification in CPR and First Aid Salary Pay: $22 - $24.50 per hour, paid weekly. Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work) Benefits: - Paid weekly - 401K (certain eligibility criteria) - Long-term employment opportunities within the District About Zen At Zen Educate, our mission is simple: to support schools by connecting them with dedicated, high-quality education professionals. We believe in making the hiring process easier for educators and creating better outcomes for students. Why Zen When you work with Zen Educate, you’re never on your own. Our team offers continuous support, from your first application to your first day in the classroom and beyond, to help you succeed and grow in your role. Ref: SD_TA_ZA-Apr26