Instructional Aide

Instructional Aide

Starting Rate: $20/hour

Environment: Alternative Education Program, Grades 9-12

Ombudsman Educational Services, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Instructional Aide to join our award-winning Alternative Education 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 goal-oriented, outcome-driven environment, possess a strong work ethic, problem-solving mindset, a passion for supporting at-risk students, and you're looking for a career with genuine purpose — we should talk!

As an Instructional Aide, you'll play a vital role in shaping the success of students in Grades 9-12 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.
• Associate degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state paraprofessional credential.
• 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.

Ombudsman Educational Services 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 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! Your 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!