Special Education Teacher

Instructional Aide -- High-Needs Autism Spectrum Academy -- Ashtabula, Ohio Full-Time | Immediate Opening Spectrum Academy is seeking an experienced Instructional Aide to work with students with autism who have significant support needs. This position is best suited for someone who has previous hands-on experience working with children or adolescents with moderate to severe autism, significant communication needs, challenging behaviors, and/or developmental disabilities. This is not an entry-level position. We are looking for someone who is comfortable, confident, patient, and calm when supporting students with complex needs. ### Responsibilities The Instructional Aide will: - Provide direct one-to-one and small-group support to students with high support needs - Assist students who are non-speaking or have limited functional communication - Support students using AAC or other communication systems when applicable - Implement instructional, behavioral, communication, and independence goals under the direction of licensed staff - Follow individualized behavior support and safety plans - Respond calmly and appropriately to challenging behaviors, including aggression, elopement, self-injurious behavior, or significant emotional dysregulation - Assist students with transitions, sensory regulation, and participation in classroom activities - Support functional and daily-living skills - Provide personal-care assistance when required by a student's individual needs - Collect behavioral and educational data as directed - Work closely with Intervention Specialists, therapists, administrators, and other classroom staff - Maintain a safe, structured, respectful, and supportive environment for students ### Qualifications Previous experience working directly with individuals with high-support-needs autism or developmental disabilities is strongly preferred. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience as a: - Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) - Behavior Technician - Special Education Paraprofessional or Instructional Aide - Autism Support Professional - Direct Support Professional (DSP) - Classroom aide in an autism or multiple-disabilities program Applicants should be comfortable working with students who may require significant behavioral, communication, sensory, mobility, toileting, feeding, or other daily-living support. ### The Person We're Looking For The right person for this position understands that behavior is often a form of communication and is able to remain calm and supportive when a student is struggling. We are looking for someone who is: - Patient and emotionally steady - Dependable and consistent - Comfortable working closely with students with significant needs - Able to follow behavioral and educational plans consistently - Willing to accept coaching and work collaboratively - Physically able to actively support students throughout the school day - Respectful of student dignity and individual differences ### About Spectrum Academy Spectrum Academy is a small school specializing in educating students with autism. Our students have a wide range of abilities and support needs, and our staff work collaboratively to provide individualized instruction and support. If you have experience working with individuals with significant autism-related needs and want to be part of a small, supportive educational team, we would like to hear from you. Position available immediately.