Special Education Teacher Aide

Academic Support Staff – Make a Daily Impact in Students’ Lives

At the Youth In Transition (YIT) School, Academic Support Staff play a vital role in helping students grow academically, emotionally, and socially. This position is hands‑on, relationship‑centered, and essential to creating a safe, structured, and encouraging learning environment for young people who need consistent support.   

What You’ll Do

Academic Support Staff work directly with students and teachers to bring classroom learning to life. You’ll help implement lessons, guide students through activities, and provide one‑on‑one support to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Whether you’re assisting with instruction, helping students navigate transitions, or reinforcing positive behavior, your presence helps create stability and trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Support students individually and in small groups during teacher‑planned lessons

• Help maintain a positive, well‑managed classroom environment

• Collect and record academic and behavioral data to support student progress

• Supervise students during transitions, lunch, and time‑out periods

• Assist with daily classroom preparation and organization

• Engage actively in lessons and classroom activities

• Communicate important observations or concerns to the teacher

• Use approved behavior‑management strategies, including physical intervention when required

• Participate in end‑of‑day debriefs with the classroom teacher

• Take on additional tasks that contribute to a supportive school environment

Focused Student Support

Some Academic Support Staff work closely with an assigned student, providing consistent supervision and individualized assistance throughout the school day. This includes:

• Greeting the student each morning and supporting breakfast routines

• Staying within close proximity during class to help with academic tasks

• Escorting the student safely throughout the building

• Tracking behaviors and contributing to behavior‑management plans

• Planning age‑appropriate de‑escalation activities

• Understanding the student’s triggers, habits, and needs

• Ensuring safe dismissal at the end of the day

Why This Role Matters

Students at YIT rely on structure, patience, and positive relationships. As Academic Support Staff, you become a steady, supportive presence in their day — someone who helps them feel safe, capable, and understood. Your work directly contributes to their growth, confidence, and long‑term success.

This isn’t just a job. It’s an opportunity to change lives, one day at a time.  

We have immediate opportunities for this role and conducting an Open House on Friday, March 20th.   Apply now to learn more!   

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; experience may substitute

• 2 years working with students with special needs

Skills

• Read and follow safety and procedural documents

• Write clear reports and communicate effectively

• Perform basic math and interpret simple data

• Apply sound judgment and follow written or verbal instructions

Professional Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality and ethical conduct

• Support a safe, positive classroom environment

• Present professional behavior, language, and attire

• Demonstrate reliability and punctuality

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, standing, and stair climbing

• Occasional lifting 15–20 lbs

• Ability to move quickly and perform approved TCI physical interventions

Work Environment

• Indoor classroom setting

• Moderate noise level typical of school environments

NCIA offers a strong and competitive benefits package, including:

•     Health, dental & vision insurance 
•     Health Savings Account with employer contributions
•     403(b) retirement plan with employer match
•     Generous time off, paid holidays, and winter break
•     Tuition assistance & professional development support
•     Free parking & a supportive school culture

 Why NCIA?

NCIA is a nonprofit that empowers people through unconditional support, equity, and compassion. We believe in building stronger communities by helping individuals thrive.

NCIA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. NCIA celebrates people from all walks of life and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, marital or veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, or characteristics (or those of a family member), sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Salary : $17