Teaching Assistant

Starting Rate: $18 /hour

Environment: Alternative Education, Middle School

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 will provide individualized support and supervision to assigned Middle School students while assisting the classroom team in delivering effective instruction. Working closely with students to implement their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), you will support learning both in the classroom and in community-based settings through a combination of group and one-on-one instruction.

Responsibilities Include:

Assisting classroom teachers in creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes high expectations for student learning and behavior.

Implementing both on-site and community-based instructional and behavioral support strategies aligned with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.

Instructing and monitoring students during lessons to support consistent and effective learning, while adapting instructional strategies to meet individual needs and reinforce key academic skills.

Encouraging student engagement and tracking academic progress, while regularly communicating with the classroom teacher about observed successes, challenges, and any necessary interventions.

Managing student behavior using proactive strategies aligned with the Ombudsman philosophy, applying consistent expectations and collaborating with the classroom team for a unified approach.

Supporting students facing academic challenges by offering encouragement and guidance, and by helping them build skills across community, vocational, leisure, domestic, academic, and social domains.

Completing timely and accurate documentation of student behavior and progress, reporting observations to appropriate team members and offering informed recommendations as needed.

Assisting with the preparation of daily activity logs, behavioral reports, and other documentation to ensure continuity of care and compliance with program requirements.

Communicating clearly and consistently with students, staff, supervisors, and parents to share relevant information about student progress, in collaboration with classroom teachers and school leadership.

Maintaining strict confidentiality of student information and records, upholding all relevant legal and organizational privacy standards.

Participating actively in accreditation and quality assurance efforts to ensure that the site meets or exceeds established performance expectations.

Engaging in school-wide meetings, student/parent conferences, and advisory sessions as requested, contributing to a collaborative and supportive school culture.

Responding positively to both formal and informal feedback as part of an ongoing commitment to professional growth and excellence in student support.

Performing other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a team-oriented mindset to support school needs.

Qualifications Required:

High school diploma or equivalent with passage of basic skills test.

Associate degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study preferred.

Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a paraprofessional, paraeducator, education assistant or similar credential preferred.

Prior experience working with children, preferably in an alternative and/or special education program setting.

Highly skilled in working with individuals with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders and/or challenging behaviors.

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.

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 45 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives! Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

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!

Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.

Copyright © 2024 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight® company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.

Education

Required

High School or betterPreferred

Associates or better in Education or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

Paraprofessional

Educational Aide Permit

Skills

Preferred

Alternative Education

Middle School Education

Behavioral Disorders

Classroom Instruction

Conflict Resolution

Emotional Disturbance

Specific Learning Disabil

Crisis Intervention

Behavioral Support

Classroom Management

Personalized Instruction

Problem Solving

Interpersonal Skills

Office/Administrative

Behaviors

Preferred

Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

Motivations

Preferred

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/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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.

Full Time