Instructional Aide

At Wayfinder Family Services, we understand the unique challenges facing some of our state’s most vulnerable children, youth and adults. Those with disabilities, those without a home of their own, those who have been abused and many, many more. We answer the call for them. We believe in the amazing potential in, and for, each and every one of them. And, together, we find a way to turn that potential into reality.  

Program and Role Summary

Wayfinder’s Special Education School offers children and youth, ages 5 to 22, who are visually impaired or have moderate-to-severe disabilities a safe, positive environment for learning and growth. In the least restrictive environment in our state-certified, non-public school, teachers develop students’ communication, mobility and functional skills to increase their independence.

The primary focus on the Instructional Aide is to provide direct care for blind, visually impaired and multi-handicapped children ages 5-21 and support the Special Education Teacher. Job emphasis is centered on helping the students increase daily living skills, socialization, independence and pre-vocational skills. This is a non-exempt position that reports to the Special Education Teacher.

The hourly wage range for this role is $20.50 - $22.00.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Implements IEP (Individualized Education Plan) objectives under the supervision of the teacher, including lesson plans on individualized goals and objectives such as meal plans and pre-vocational skills.
• Supervises students to ensure the health and safety of the students is maintained. Uses observational skills to remain aware of changes in the behavior and physical condition of the students.
• Prepares instructional materials and maintains order and cleanliness in the learning environment.
• Provides services, support and intervention directly to the students under the guidance and following the instructions of the Special Education Teacher.
• Provides daily living skills instruction including but not limited to, tooth brushing, showering, dressing, bed-making, toileting, toilet training, and eating.
• Completes detailed documentation/record keeping on student’s individual progress, including maintaining logs on student behavior or incidents for communicating with school staff, parents, and residential staff.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma, required. Two years of college or Associate’s degree in Child Development, Special Education, Psychology, or related field from an accredited college/university, preferred.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with students in special education, preferred.
• Experience working with students with moderate to severe disabilities, preferred.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of three (3) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

Benefits: Wayfinder is committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is both comprehensive and competitive which includes:

• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, 11 paid holidays, plus five winter holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 4% 
• Employee referral program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Education tuition assistance program: Invest in your career development 
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Flexible spending account (FSA) plans 
• Eligibility and other benefits are outlined in plan documents

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.