Instructional Assistant - Immediate Start at Zen Educate

Get Set for the 2025-2026 School Year!
We're hiring now! Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a full-time role where you can make a real impact, this could be your next step.

Don’t wait, connect with a recruiter today and see how we can help you find the perfect role.

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 and de-escalate behaviors
- Work with individuals and/or small groups when activities and assignments are presented
- Provides support for students in crisis
- Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as needed

Required Qualifications
- High school diploma obtained in the United States
- 6+ months experience supporting people with special needs (in any capacity), ideally child-focused experience
- 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 / Experience
- Experience working in special education, particularly with moderate to severe behaviors
- Experience with personal care tasks, like diapering and toileting
- Experience handling unexpected behaviour, such as hitting and biting
- Comfortable with eloping
- Experience with behaviour strategies and methodologies
- Experience in collecting data and following BI plan
- Associate's degree or higher (obtained in the US or US equivalency check completed)
- Pro-Act training
- Certification in CPR and First Aid

Salary
Pay: $22 - $24.50 per hour, paid weekly.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work)

Benefits:
- Paid weekly
- 401K (certain eligibility criteria)
- Long-term employment opportunities within the District

Why Zen
We believe educators deserve clarity and respect at every step. Zen Educate offers a transparent, streamlined hiring process, fair pay, and ongoing support so you can focus on teaching and making a meaningful impact in classrooms

About Zen
Zen Educate connects schools with passionate, qualified educators through a clear and efficient process. Our mission is to make hiring fairer and simpler for both teachers and schools.

Ref: SD-NHQ-TA-March2026-182