Make a Lasting Impact Before the Next School Year
While the current school year concludes in early June, joining our team now is a great way to showcase your skills and opens up the strong possibility of securing a position for the next academic year! We're looking for paraprofessionals and classroom aides to support special education students. Now’s your chance to develop critical classroom experience, grow your skills, and create strong bonds - setting you up for success before the fall rush.
About Zen Educate
Zen Educate partners with public and charter schools across various school districts. We help schools hire dedicated paraprofessionals and teaching assistants, creating smart, timely matches that support students with special education needs and build stronger school communities.
As a Behavior Interventionist in a school setting, you will play a crucial role in supporting students with special needs by assisting the classroom teacher. Your focus will be on implementing behavior management plans, redirecting challenging behaviors, facilitating social interactions, and providing one-on-one or small group assistance to help students meet their IEP goals within a structured learning environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Behavioral Support: Implement and follow Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) or Individualized Education Plan (IEPs)
- Individualized Support: Provide one-on-one or small group support using positive reinforcement and de-escalation strategies to promote self-regulation, social-emotional skills, and engagement.
- Classroom Assistance: Collaborate with teachers to maintain a positive, inclusive learning environment and encourage student participation.
- Communication: Work closely with teachers, parents, and staff to ensure consistent and effective support for students.
- Personal Care: Support with personal care or hygiene as needed, including toileting, feeding, and dressing.
- Note taking: Taking notes and recording data on students progres
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
- Demonstrated hands-on experience safely managing and de-escalating SEVERE behavioral challenges (including but not limited to self-injurious behaviour, elopement, physical aggression toward staff/peers)
- 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:
- 3 months experience de-escalating SEVERE behaviours (including self-injurious behaviour, elopement & physical aggression towards staff/peers).
- 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: $22 - $24.5 per hour
Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work).
Benefits:
- Weekly pay
- Paid Sick Leave
- 401K (certain eligibility criteria)
-Join our training sessions and professional development opportunities to stay updated on the latest in special education and behavioral support.
Don’t wait! Apply and connect with a recruiter today and take the first step toward your future in education.
Ref: #SDTAINDAP-Jun26
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $22.00 - $24.50 per hour
Application Question(s):
- What motivates you to work in education and/or with students in special education?
- Briefly describe your experience working with folks with special needs
- Are you comfortable with handling personal care (diapering, toileting)?
- Are you comfortable with handling unexpected behaviour (biting, hitting)?
- Do you consent to any phone calls with a member of Zen Educate being recorded (mandatory)
- Where did you complete your education? (e.g., In the US or outside the US).
- Have you actively supported and safely de-escalated SEVERE behavioural challenges (including but not limited to self-injurious behaviour, elopement, physical aggression toward staff/peers)? (Required Yes/No)
- Please confirm you understand that this assignment follows the school calendar, concluding in early June 2026, and does not include summer employment. (Required Yes/No)
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Language:
Ability to Commute:
- Poway, CA 92064 (Required)
Work Location: In person
