Instructional Assistant → 26/27 SY

Starting Rate: $16 - $20 /hour based on education and experience

Environment: Special Education Program , Grades K-8

, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an   Instructional Assistant   to join our award-winning Special Education team for the 2026-2027 School Year 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 supportive, student-centered, outcome-driven environment, seek a career with genuine purpose, and possess patience, empathy, a positive attitude, and a stellar work ethic — We Should Talk!

As an Instructional Assistant , you’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of students in Grades K-8 by providing personalized support, supervision and guidance both in the classroom and within the community. Collaborating closely with classroom educators, you'll help assist with implementing each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), tailoring instruction to their unique learning. Your dedication will help empower students to reach their full potential, building essential skills and confidence along the way.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Collaborating closely with classroom teachers to cultivate a supportive, welcoming, and high-achieving learning environment where all students feel safe and valued.
• Implementing engaging, individualized instruction and behavioral interventions both on-site and in community settings, aligned with each student's unique goals and objectives.
• Instructing and closely monitoring students during classroom lessons, ensuring instructional fidelity, and applying targeted strategies to enhance student comprehension and successful course completion.
• Encouraging individual student growth by consistently tracking progress against established timelines and proactively communicating with classroom teachers regarding students' successes and areas needing additional intervention.
• Managing student behavior effectively, reinforcing our school's philosophy and policies, and applying consistent disciplinary measures in collaboration with classroom teachers.
• Supporting and mentoring students facing academic challenges, encouraging personal growth, and assisting them in developing essential community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social skills.
• Completing clear, accurate, and timely documentation of student behaviors and performance, reporting meaningful observations, and offering actionable recommendations to relevant staff.
• Assisting with the preparation of detailed behavioral reports, daily activity logs, and other necessary documentation.
• Communicating proactively and clearly with students, colleagues, supervisors, and families regarding student needs, achievements, and areas of concern, working in close partnership with teachers and administration.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality of all student records and information at all times.
• Participating actively in assurance and accreditation activities, contributing to achieving site performance standards and accreditation requirements.
• Participating in school-wide, student-parent, and advisory meetings to foster collaborative support networks and positive educational outcomes.
• Responding positively and constructively to formal and informal feedback, demonstrating continuous professional growth.
• Performing additional responsibilities as needed to support student success and contribute to the overall effectiveness of our educational community.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent w/ passage of basic skills test.  
• Must meet one of the following requirements:
  • Associates degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study. 
  • Completed a minimum of 60-hour college credit.
  • Successful completion of the Praxis Paraprofessional test.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• 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.
• 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.
• Solid motivational skills and willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing priorities and new initiatives.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is   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 than  240,000 student lives !

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! Y our 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 Your   Chance !

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.  

Education

• High School or better in Diploma or Equivalent

• Associates or better in Related Field of Study

Licenses & Certifications

• Ability to Obtain
• Paraprofessional
• Crisis Prevention Inst

Skills

• Special Education
• Assistant Teaching
• Academic Support
• Scheduling/Time Management
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Behavioral Support
• Crisis Intervention
• Emotional Disturbance
• Behavioral Disorders
• Autism
• Learning Disabilities
• Performance Motivation
• Personalized Instruction
• Student Coaching/Mentorship
• Attention to Detail
• Communication
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills
• Middle School Education
• Elementary Education

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
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.