Your experience in behavioral support transfers directly into special education classrooms.
Whether you've worked as a Behavior Technician, Behavioral Specialist, Behaviour Therapist, or Behavior Interventionist, the skills you use every day are exactly what SPED classrooms need. Building rapport, supporting individuals with complex needs, implementing behavior intervention plans, de-escalating challenging situations, and applying therapeutic or behavioral strategies are all highly transferable to school settings.
These paraprofessional roles in SPED Classrooms are a natural next step if you want to continue making a real impact, with predictable school-day hours, a structured environment, weekly pay, and W-2 employment. You'll support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs, while using the experience you've already built in a new and meaningful setting.
If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a role where your skills can make a daily difference, this could be your next step.
About Zen Educate
Zen Educate is tackling the educator shortage by helping schools connect with passionate teaching assistants and paraprofessionals. We're proud to support both schools and staff by creating smart, fast matches that benefit students and communities alike.
As a Behavior Therapist moving into a school-based role, you'll apply the behavioral support skills you've already built, playing 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.
Responsibilities
- Assisting licensed staff in the classroom
- Aid students in meeting their individualized education plan (IEP)
- Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning
- Work with individuals and/or small groups when activities and assignments are presented
- Provide support for students in crisis
- Support students on outings by driving them into the community
- Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as - needed
- Celebrate the students you're working with
All these roles require openness to personal care and willingness to learn!
Required Qualifications
- 60 credits, Associates Degree, obtained a passing score on an appropriate ADE assessment, or ParaPro/Praxis Exam
- 1+ Years Experience working with children
- Experience working with children with special educational needs
- Experience working with personal care
- IVP Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
- 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
- Previous experience working in special education
- Behavioral Technician or PCA experience
- Crisis prevention (CPI) training
- CPR certification
- Medical assistant certificate
Salary:
Pay: $18 - $22 per hour, paid weekly
Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work)
Benefits and other offerings
- Weekly pay by direct deposit, with paper check available on request
- Professional development, including in-app training, paid role-specific certifications where applicable, and additional development opportunities depending on role and location
- Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local law
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,560 hours in a 12 month period.
- 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,000 hours in a 12 month period or more than 500 hours/year in a 24 month period.
Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make.
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