Job Summary

The Instructional Assistant plays a crucial role in providing instruction and behavioral support services to youth attending school at a behavioral and mental health facility. Working closely with students, the Instructional Assistant supports their learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. This position operates under the guidance of a professional educator, who holds ultimate responsibility for the instructional program’s outcomes. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

The Instructional Assistant’s responsibilities include:

• Accountability to the Classroom Teacher:

• Collaborate with the classroom teacher to ensure effective support for students.

• Assist in creating a safe and positive learning environment, particularly for students with severe emotional and/or behavioral issues.

• Cooperative Work with Staff:

• Work collaboratively with other staff members to meet the unique needs of each student.

• Direct Instruction Method:

• Familiarize oneself with the direct instruction method of teaching.

• Classroom Support:

• Help students adhere to the classroom schedule and assignments.

• Lead or co-lead instructional groups as assigned by the teacher.

• Implement reward and behavior management systems used in the classroom.

• Monitor and chart student behaviors.

• Individualized Support:

• Tutor individual children in social and academic skills as directed by the teacher.

• Assist in preparing curriculum materials and special projects.

• Supervision and Safety:

• Monitor lunchtime, playground, and transportation areas as assigned by the teacher.

• Attend staff meetings and Treatment Team meetings when assigned by the lead teacher.

• Problem-Solving and Adaptability:

• Apply common sense and understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions.

• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

• Additional Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

The physical demands of this job include:

• Regularly sitting, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, and talking or hearing.

• Frequent standing.

• Occasional walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, and tasting or smelling.

• Occasionally lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.

• Ability to perform physical restraints of students when necessary.

• Ability to follow a child that AWOLs (absent without leave) at a walking or running pace.

• Application of SPA restraint techniques, which may involve lifting the child, holding the child down in a standing, sitting, or ground-level manner, and separating students acting unsafely.

• Exposure to bodily fluids from a child.

Pay: $20hr

Schedule: Mon to Fri 8a - 4:30pm

Minimum Requirements:

• Complies with all relevant professional standards of practice

• Participation and completion of Amergis' Competency program when applicable

• Current CPR if applicable

• TB questionnaire, PPD or chest x-ray if applicable

• Current Health certificate (per contract or state regulation)

• Must meet all federal, state and local requirements

• Successful completion of new hire training as applicable to job site

• Understand patient confidentiality and HIPAA requirements

• Ability to effectively elicit/provide information to and from appropriate individuals (including, but not limited to, supervisors, co-workers, clients) via strong communication skills; proficiency in the English language is required

• Computer proficiency required

• Must be at least 21 years of age

Why You Should Apply:

• Meaningful Work : Be part of a mission-driven organization that supports youth with emotional and behavioral challenges. Your role directly contributes to their growth and success.

• Collaborative Environment : Work alongside experienced educators and staff who share your commitment to student well-being.

• Professional Growth : Gain valuable experience in education, behavior management, and student support. We invest in your development!

• Rewarding Relationships : Build connections with students and witness their progress firsthand.

  Benefits

At Amergis, we firmly believe that our employees are the heartbeat of our organization and we are happy to offer the following benefits:

• Competitive pay & weekly paychecks

• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance

• 401(k) savings plan

• Awards and recognition programs

  *Benefit eligibility is dependent on employment status.

  About Amergis

Amergis, formerly known as Maxim Healthcare Staffing, has served our clients and communities by connecting people to the work that matters since 1988. We provide meaningful opportunities to our extensive network of healthcare and school-based professionals, ready to work in any hospital, government facility, or school. Through partnership and innovation, Amergis creates unmatched staffing experiences to deliver the best workforce solutions.

Amergis is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.