Instructional Aide in Vista, California at New Haven Youth

New Haven Youth & Family Services is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering at-risk youth and families through education, mental health, and life skills programs. Our vision is to set the standard of care by restoring hope, building resilience, and creating opportunities for every young person to reach their full potential.

New Haven Youth & Family Services is seeking a dedicated Instructional Aide/Teaching Assistant to support a safe, structured, and therapeutic learning environment for students with academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. This role involves close support of students and teachers in implementing educational plans, behavioral supports, and individualized treatment strategies.

This position is ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with youth in a structured educational and therapeutic setting and who are looking to build experience in education, behavioral health, or special education.

• Support and maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic classroom environment
• Assist in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Treatment Plans (ITPs)
• Provide supervision, behavior support, and positive discipline strategies for students
• Support teachers by monitoring student progress and assisting with instruction and learning activities
• Encourage social skills, life skills development, and positive behavior choices
• Respond to behavioral issues and assist with crisis intervention as needed
• Prepare instructional materials and support daily classroom routines and schedules
• Document student behavior and progress according to agency protocols
• Administer medications and follow health and safety procedures when required
• Operate agency vehicles safely when needed and report maintenance concerns
• Participate in staff trainings, meetings, and ongoing professional development
• Perform additional duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Experience in education, behavioral health, psychology, or related field preferred
• Sub-credential or ability to pass CBEST and pursue credentialing preferred
• Experience working with youth in structured or therapeutic settings strongly preferred
• Familiarity with behavior support and crisis intervention approaches (Pro-ACT, LSCI preferred)
• Ability to follow directions, work collaboratively, and accept feedback professionally
• Strong communication, patience, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations
• Reliable attendance and punctuality required
• Valid California Driver’s License preferred (depending on assignment needs)

• Meaningful, mission-driven work supporting youth in education and behavioral growth
• Strong training in behavioral support, crisis intervention, and classroom management
• Opportunity to build experience toward careers in education, counseling, or social services
• Supportive team environment with clear structure and supervision
• Competitive hourly compensation based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 403(b), FSA, and robust paid time off package (vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays)

New Haven Youth and Family Services is an EOE F/M/Disabled/Vet