Instructional Assistant

Secure Your Role for the 2026–2027 Academic Year! Step into full-time paraprofessional and classroom aide roles and support students with special needs in real classroom settings. You'll grow your skills, gain meaningful experience, and work where your support matters every day. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs. Don’t wait! Connect with a recruiter today and take the first step toward your future in education. About Zen Educate At Zen Educate, we make it easier for educators to find roles that truly fit. We connect you with schools that match your experience, preferences, and goals, so you can focus on teaching, not job searching. By partnering closely with schools and districts, we create better matches, offer fair pay, and support you throughout your journey, helping you build a career that works for you. This School Aide role involves working directly with students under teacher supervision, helping them with assignments, reinforcing instructions, and contributing to a positive and orderly classroom atmosphere. Responsibilities Behavioral Intervention: Implement individualized Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) for students with autism and emotional/behavioral needs. Use evidence-based strategies including positive reinforcement, de-escalation techniques, and proactive behavior supports to help students regulate emotions and develop coping skills. Targeted Support: Provide one-on-one or small group behavioral support, tailoring interventions to each student’s needs. Support students in building self-regulation, social-emotional skills, and classroom engagement. Classroom Collaboration: Work closely with teachers and behavior specialists to create a structured, supportive learning environment. Support classroom management by reinforcing expectations, modeling positive behavior, and helping students stay on task. Progress Monitoring: Track and document behavioral data consistently, including incidents, triggers, responses, and outcomes. Use this data to inform adjustments to BIPs and support team decision-making. Team Communication: Partner with special education staff, behavior analysts, and families to maintain a unified approach to student support. Share observations and collaborate on strategies to ensure consistency across environments. Required Qualifications/Experience: High school diploma or the equivalent Experience working with children with special educational needs Experience working with personal care Passion for working within special education U.S. work authorization (Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time) Applicants must be professionally proficient in English CPR and First Aid (certification will be provided for otherwise qualified candidates) 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 Past work experience in a school CPI Training Salary Pay: $24 - $28 per hour, paid weekly. Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work). Benefits and other offerings Weekly pay by direct deposit, with paper check available on request Professional development, including in-app training, paid role-specific certifications where applicable, and additional development opportunities depending on role and location Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local law Medical, dental, and vision insurance available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,560 hours in a 12 month period. 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,000 hours in a 12 month period or more than 500 hours/year in a 24 month period. Don't wait, start your journey in education now, connect with a recruiter to find your perfect role. Ref: #SFTAZA-Oct26