Instructional Aide - Hiring Now

Looking for a Rewarding Role for the 2026–2027 School Year?
Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a role where you can make a real impact, this could be your next step. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs.

About Zen Educate
Zen Educate is tackling the educator shortage by helping schools connect with passionate teaching assistants and paraprofessionals. We’re proud to support both schools and staff by creating smart, fast matches that benefit students and communities alike. When you join Zen, you’re not just taking an assignment, you’re joining an educator-first platform that supports you every step of the way. We are actively hiring to support students with specialized academic, social, and physical needs

This Paraprofessional role offers a dynamic opportunity to work closely with students, either individually or in small groups, reinforcing lessons, aiding with assignments, and contributing to a positive and productive classroom.

Key Responsibilities:
Respond to and Manage Aggressive Behaviors: Safely manage and de-escalate aggressive outbursts. Implement physical and verbal de-escalation techniques as trained.
Implement Intensive Behavior Intervention (IBI): Administer one-to-one IBI programs in both school and home settings, specifically designed to address and reduce aggressive behaviors.
Data Collection: Accurately collect and record behavioral charting data and anecdotal notes, with a focus on documenting triggers, antecedents, and consequences of aggressive episodes.
Provide Instructional Support: Assist a teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups, using positive reinforcement and redirection to help students engage in learning activities.
Ensure Safety: Immediately report and respond to any aggressive behavior that threatens the safety of the student or others. Assure the health and safety of all individuals by following established protocols.
Personal Care: Assist students with personal hygiene needs, which may include managing behaviors during activities like toileting or feeding.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma
• ABA training or at least 1 year of behavior tech/interventionist experience or RBT certification
• Experience with elopement, nonverbal and/or aggressive behaviors
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to stay calm and patient in challenging situations
• English proficiency
• U.S. work authorization (Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time)
• Candidates must be 18 years or older to apply

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:
48 college credits
Training in CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) or Pro-Act (Professional Assault Crisis Training) is highly desirable
Two years of experience working with children, preferably in a setting with students who have significant behavioral challenges.
CPR and First Aid

Salary
Pay: $21 - $23 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.

Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make.

Ref: #LATAZA-Oct26