Instructional Assistant; Paraeducator

Instructional Assistant (Para educator) - Full-Time

Serendipity Center is leading the way in therapeutic education, offering a holistic approach that integrates Mental Health, Special Education, Wellness, and Transition Readiness. Our mission is to empower students who need extra time, attention, and skill development to reach their full potential. We are seeking a dedicated Instructional Assistant to support our educational and administrative efforts.

As a private non-profit institution, we provide the resources necessary for student success on campus. We maintain small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, supported by a diverse team that includes teachers, Program Assistants, and a comprehensive array of professionals.

• Participate with mental health and classroom staff in implementing a BSP for assigned student that addresses lagging skills and replacement behaviors. Observe all students to detect noticeable changes in behavior, and aid or restrain them to prevent injury to themselves or others; perform crisis intervention and CPI approved physical management.
• Coach students to focus on the acquisition and practice of skills outlined by BSP and other general decision making and academic skills.
• Provide individualized or small group instruction, as directed by the classroom teacher, using lessons and materials developed by the teacher. Assess continually the needed level of intervention to support and facilitate the learning activities in the classroom; observe and control behavior of students according to approved procedures.
• Establish and maintain a rapport with students characterized by professional boundaries and respect; adapt interaction style for the needs of individual students. Model and teach using CPS appropriate social behavior and school-wide behavior.
• Accompany assigned student to and from areas of the school, maintaining supervision and ensuring line of sight. Assist assigned student in becoming accustomed to school routines.
• Protect the confidentiality of information related to students and families.
• Report to Case Manager (or designated substitute) all suspicions of potential abuse, neglect, self-harm and/or endangerment of others, through an incident report form.
• Implement Collaborative Problem Solving and principles of Re-Education as part of our integrated intervention model.
• Provide constant supervision of students during transitions (meals, breaks, restroom, etc.) in conjunction with other staff, ensuring line of sight.
• Support teaching staff by providing continual redirection, positive reinforcement, tutoring, planning with students having difficult days, and providing behavioral corrections within the classroom.
• Attend and participate in regular department and staff meetings.
• Maintain familiarity with Serendipity's safety protocols and implement all required instruction, drills, and procedures.

• Education:
  
  High school diploma or GED. Associates degree strongly preferred.
• Experience:
  
  1 year of relevant experience in Pre-K–12 educational settings or related fields (children's mental/behavioral health, social services, or developmental disabilities) strongly preferred.
• Certification/Licenses: CPI certification (can be obtained on the job). Para-professional certification strongly preferred.
• General
  
  Skills:
  
  Clear verbal and written communication; strong organizational and prioritization abilities; ability to follow written and oral instructions; ability to manage multiple tasks; ability to work independently; basic math skills.
• Computer
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency with email; basic word processing; general MS Word, Outlook, and data entry skills.
• Physical Demands:
  Ability to bend, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally; able to perform physical management techniques as required; regular attendance is essential.

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to assault by a student. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level is usually moderate but can be very loud. Must pass a pre-employment Mental Health and Developmental Disability Services Division criminal records check.