Description

Wayfinder Family Services ensures that children, youth, and adults facing challenges always have a place to turn.

Wayfinder is committed to advancing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility). 

Wayfinder believes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are essential to our excellence and our mission's execution. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA , veterans and differently-abled persons are encouraged to apply. 

In exchange for your talent, Wayfinder offers an excellent benefits package, which includes the following:

• This role is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Competitive salary - Sign-on bonus for eligible roles
• Flexible schedules depending on the position (some offering hybrid)
• Medical insurance with a $30 premium per paycheck coverage plan (employee-only)
• Dental insurance 100% employer paid for HMO coverage plan (employee-only)
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 4%
• 11 paid holidays per year and a generous paid time off policy
• Five winter holidays (between Christmas Eve & New Year's Day)
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Robust training opportunities: Shared Core Practice Model, Trauma-Informed Care, Evidence-based Practices
• Clinical Supervision for licensure

Compensation:

• In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this position is posted with this position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Instructional Assistant Responsibilities

The primary purpose of the Instructional Assistant 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.

•  Under the direction of the Special Education Teacher, implements the curriculum to the students in the special education classroom to ensure the students meet their educational goals.
• 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.
• Transports students to and from school, in Wayfinder Family Services vans or taxis and to and from outings.
• Accompanies students to community-based activities (shopping, recreation, money management, etc.).
• Assists in planning, organizing, and instruction of recreational activities (swimming, bowling, gym, dance, etc.) on grounds and in the community.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required.
• A minimum of 2 year of experience working with children.
• Experience working with students with moderate to severe disabilities preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class “C” Driver License and approval to drive by Wayfinder Family Services’ insurance carrier.
•  Must be a minimum of 21 years of age and possess and maintain a safe driving record as determined by Wayfinder Family Services’ insurance carrier.

Employee Wellness & Safety

Wayfinder is committed to creating an environment where employees and clients are safe. To meet this goal, we ask that employees be fully vaccinated (including boosters, where applicable) against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment. All staff must demonstrate evidence of complete vaccination, including booster, on or before their employment start date. Wayfinder will consider requests for exemption based on religious beliefs or medical accommodations. Wayfinder requires a thorough background screening process, including fingerprinting and a health screening.

Trauma-Informed Care

Wayfinder practices Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles which recognize the signs, symptoms, and widespread impact of trauma. Employees integrate the knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care into policies, procedures, and practices to prevent re-traumatization which promotes the healing of families, youth, individuals, and communities.

Wayfinder is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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