Instructional Assistant, SES

Join Us at Wayfinder Family Services: A Place Where Every Challenge Meets Opportunity

Your Opportunity to Lead Change

As a part of the Wayfinder team, you won’t just have a job—you’ll have a purpose. You’ll be part of a team of passionate professionals who are committed to providing life-changing services to individuals facing obstacles. Whether you're working with children, youth, or adults, every day presents a new opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life.

Why Choose Wayfinder Family Services?

We offer more than just competitive salaries; we offer a community where your work will matter and where your growth is supported. Here’s how we empower our team:

💼 Work-Life Flexibility

• Hybrid schedules available for many roles
• Flexible hours to support your work-life balance

💰 Competitive Compensation & Benefits

• Sign-on bonuses for eligible positions
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible
• Generous 401(k) matching (100% of deferrals up to 3% of compensation; 50% of deferrals on 3% to 5%)
• Medical & Dental Insurance with employee-only family coverage plans
• Paid Time Off: 11 paid holidays, five winter holidays, and a generous PTO policy
• Education Reimbursement: Invest in your career development
• Employee Referral Program: Encourage your colleagues to join us
• Robust training programs in trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and clinical supervision for licensure

🌱 Growth & Learning

• Access to professional development opportunities, including Shared Core Practice Model and Trauma-Informed Care training.
• Be a part of our commitment to best practices in social services.

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.

Role Summary

As an Instructional Assistant, you will be pivotal in supporting children, youth, and families facing life’s toughest challenges. Whether you provide hands-on case management, help to develop life skills, or provide emotional support, your work will directly impact the lives of those we serve.

What We’re Looking For:

We’re seeking passionate individuals who embody the values of compassion, integrity, and teamwork. Here’s what you’ll need to succeed:

• A solid commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others
• Experience working in social services, education, mental health, or related fields (preferred but not required)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills—you're a connector, a listener, and a problem solver
• A passion for lifelong learning and professional development
• Ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment and work collaboratively with diverse teams
• A growth mindset that aligns with Wayfinder’s mission to empower and support marginalized communities

How you will Impact Change:

• 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.
• 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.

Education and Credentials

• High School Diploma, required.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working with students in special education.
• Experience working with students with moderate to severe disabilities.
• Valid CA Driver License with a minimum of two (2) years good driving history and must be approved by the agency’s insurance carrier to drive agency vehicles.

At Wayfinder, we believe in our diverse team's strength and collective ability to create meaningful change. Wayfinder Family Services is ready for you if you're ready to contribute to an organization that values your skills, respects your individuality, and fosters your personal and professional growth!

Wayfinder Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We support a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment background and drug screenings.