The Instructional Aide provides direct, individualized support and guidance to students in Grades K-12 to implement their individualized education plans. They collaborate with classroom teachers to manage student behavior, track progress, and maintain accurate documentation of performance.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be licensed or in the process of obtaining an Illinois state paraprofessional license. Prior experience working with children in special education or behavioral health settings is preferred.
high schoolassociate degreeMultitaskingCommunicationMentoringMicrosoft Office SuitePatienceDecision-makingConflict resolutionProblem solvingStudent supervisionCrisis managementData documentationClassroom managementBehavioral interventionSpecial education supportInstructional technologyIndividualized education plan (IEP) implementation
Job description
🟢 Starting Rate
$18 - $20 /hour based on experience
🏫 Environment: Special Education Program, Grades K-12
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs [https://careers.chancelight.com/spectrum-center-schools-and-programs/], a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an Instructional Aide 1:1 to join our award-winning Special 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 supportive, student-centered, outcome-driven environment, seek a career with genuine purpose, and possess patience, empathy, a positive attitude, and a stellar work ethic — We Should Talk! 📲
As an Instructional Aide 1
1, you’ll play a vital role in shaping the success of an assigned student or students in Grades K-12 by providing direct, individualized support, supervision and guidance both in the classroom and within the community. Collaborating closely with classroom educators, you'll assist with implementing your assigned student(s) individualized education plan (IEP), tailoring instruction to their unique learning needs. Your dedication will help empower your assigned student(s) 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.
Benefits
Flexible spending and health savings accounts
Company paid life and disability insurance
Company paid employee assistance program
Pet health insurance
Legal services insurance
Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
401k retirement saving plan
Free telehealth and virtual counseling sessions
Free health advocacy services
24/7 nurse line
Personal protection insurance plans
Cigna healthy pregnancies, healthy babies program
Accrual-based paid time off
School hours and paid holiday schedule
Extensive personal and life event paid leave policy
Perks at work employee discount program
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.
Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an IL state paraprofessional license.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
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, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum 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.
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.
Spectrum Center Schools and Programs [https://chancelight.com/locations/brands/spectrum/] is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education [https://chancelight.com/], 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!
> 💻 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!
In Illinois, 1:1 instructional aide roles are often driven by district needs for individualized student support, especially in special education and behavioral settings. These jobs can be competitive because employers typically look for a high school diploma, an Illinois paraprofessional license or progress toward one, and prior child-facing experience. If you are applying, confirm your licensure status and highlight any experience supporting behavior plans or classroom routines; this platform’s job requirements and benefits are AI-summarized from the original posting, saving you research time.
