Instructional Assistant

Join Our Classroom Team Today, Start the New School Year Strong! Your Opportunity to Make a Difference and Inspire Starts Now. We’re hiring paraprofessionals and classroom support staff for immediate hire to work with students who need specialized support. These roles are focused on SPED classrooms and are ideal for those looking to grow their skills and make a meaningful impact all year long. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs. Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make. 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. Join our team as a Teaching Assistant and actively participate in the educational journey of students, providing essential support that helps bridge learning gaps and inspires a love for knowledge. Key Responsibilities - Assist licensed staff in the classroom by helping implement academic adaptations and individualized education plans (IEPs). - Work with students individually or in small groups to support their self-care and social/behavioral needs. - Maintain a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to learning. - Provide timely support for students in crisis situations. - Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. 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: $21 - $24 per hour, paid weekly. Rate depends on experience, role type, school budget, and education level. 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: #BOSTAZA-Oct26