Special Education Teacher Aide | Academic Support Staff

Job DetailsJob Location: National Center on Institutions and Alternatives Inc - Baltimore, MD 21244Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High School/GEDSalary Range: $16.70 - $16.70 HourlyTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: DayJob Category: EducationAcademic 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.
QualificationsRequirements

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