Instructional Aide, Autism Support at Santa Cruz County Office Of Education
About the Employer
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is committed to ensuring all students have the educational opportunities they need to thrive. We offer a wide range of services and programs geared at supporting our 10 public school districts and expanding educational opportunities and outcomes for over 37,000 students who call Santa Cruz County home. We envision an impactful educational community where everyone feels they belong and have the resources, relationships, and skills to thrive. Our mission is to create an equitable educational system that fosters growth, opportunities, and well-being for all. We work alongside partners in Santa Cruz County’s educational community to build BRIDGES — Belonging, Relationships, Innovation, Data-informed decision-making, Growth mindsets, Excellence, and Sustainability — to equity in education. The Santa Cruz County Office of Education is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Summary
Job Summary
This position will be assigned to the Special Education Department: Under the daily direction of a certificated Special Education Teacher experienced in Autism, PDD, and other severe neurological disorders, and the general supervision of the Special Education Sr. Director or designee, administers tutoring and support services to students in a classroom setting in acquiring learning, behavior and social skills. Goals are established by the collaborative educational team and the student’s individualized educational plans (IEP/IFSP). This class is distinguished from other classes in the Instructional family by being assigned to work with students in the SCCOE collaborative partnership for students with autism. Work sites vary and will extend from across the county. This is a 10-month position in which the employee will report from August to May while school is in session. There may be an opportunity to work in the summer.
Requirements / Qualifications
Please read the full job description. Education and Experience: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in child development, education or a related field is desirable. Some experience working with special education students and/or children with Autism, PDD or other neurological disorders is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance. Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR and first aid certificates.
Application Procedures: Applicants must submit a completed application and are encouraged to attach a résumé and proof that you have earned 48 semester or 60 quarter units of higher education to complete the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirement to the application material. Alternatively, those who cannot provide proof of higher education units are welcome to take the ESSA exam via Zoom to satisfy the requirement. Qualified applicants will be invited to an oral examination covering the knowledge and skills required. An eligibility list will be established and the top three ranks of candidates will be interviewed for final consideration and appointment. The eligibility list established will remain in effect for a period of six (6) months unless it no longer exists due to an insufficient number of available candidates. If an applicant needs reasonable accommodation, we must be informed prior to the administration of the test. As part of the selection process, three professional references including previous employers will be contacted. If selected, fingerprinting is required with a copy of your social security card and a valid form of ID. As part of your onboarding, you will be registered on our online platform to complete the required paperwork which include a negative (tuberculosis) PPD skin test clearance (valid within the last four years). You can have the test done through the Santa Cruz Health Department, Doctors on Duty Clinic or by calling a physician or a clinic of your choice. You will also need to complete the mandatory trainings and new hire orientation prior to your start date. Due to SB848, all Local Educational Agencies (LEA) you list under the Mandatory Employment Disclosure Employment History will be contacted.
Requirements / Qualifications
Please read the full job description. Education and Experience: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in child development, education or a related field is desirable. Some experience working with special education students and/or children with Autism, PDD or other neurological disorders is desirable. License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license and appropriate vehicle operation insurance. Possession of, or ability to obtain, CPR and first aid certificates.
Application Procedures: Applicants must submit a completed application and are encouraged to attach a résumé and proof that you have earned 48 semester or 60 quarter units of higher education to complete the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirement to the application material. Alternatively, those who cannot provide proof of higher education units are welcome to take the ESSA exam via Zoom to satisfy the requirement. Qualified applicants will be invited to an oral examination covering the knowledge and skills required. An eligibility list will be established and the top three ranks of candidates will be interviewed for final consideration and appointment. The eligibility list established will remain in effect for a period of six (6) months unless it no longer exists due to an insufficient number of available candidates. If an applicant needs reasonable accommodation, we must be informed prior to the administration of the test. As part of the selection process, three professional references including previous employers will be contacted. If selected, fingerprinting is required with a copy of your social security card and a valid form of ID. As part of your onboarding, you will be registered on our online platform to complete the required paperwork which include a negative (tuberculosis) PPD skin test clearance (valid within the last four years). You can have the test done through the Santa Cruz Health Department, Doctors on Duty Clinic or by calling a physician or a clinic of your choice. You will also need to complete the mandatory trainings and new hire orientation prior to your start date. Due to SB848, all Local Educational Agencies (LEA) you list under the Mandatory Employment Disclosure Employment History will be contacted.
Comments and Other Information
Benefits: Employees assigned to this schedule are entitled to receive vision, dental and medical coverage for the employee and their dependents. Employees have a choice between various medical plans. Each plan may have an employee premium contribution amount for which the employee can utilize a tax sheltered Section 125 Plan. The COE contribution is prorated based on FTE. Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS members are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan. The employee also receives long-term disability insurance and life insurance. For more information please review the Classified Summary of the Benefits Administration Page on the Santa Cruz County Office of Education website or read it on the link to the right under Links Related to this Job.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides an Associate Degree stipend of $375, a Bachelor’s Degree stipend of $750, a Master's Degree stipend of $1,500, a Doctorate Degree (no Master's) of $1,500 or a Doctorate Degree (with Master's) of an additional $400 per year for eligible employees. Degree stipend is prorated based upon full time equivalency.
Comments and Other Information
Benefits: Employees assigned to this schedule are entitled to receive vision, dental and medical coverage for the employee and their dependents. Employees have a choice between various medical plans. Each plan may have an employee premium contribution amount for which the employee can utilize a tax sheltered Section 125 Plan. The COE contribution is prorated based on FTE. Retirement benefits are accrued through the Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS). CalPERS members are required to pay their portion of the retirement plan. The employee also receives long-term disability insurance and life insurance. For more information please review the Classified Summary of the Benefits Administration Page on the Santa Cruz County Office of Education website or read it on the link to the right under Links Related to this Job.
The Santa Cruz County Office of Education provides an Associate Degree stipend of $375, a Bachelor’s Degree stipend of $750, a Master's Degree stipend of $1,500, a Doctorate Degree (no Master's) of $1,500 or a Doctorate Degree (with Master's) of an additional $400 per year for eligible employees. Degree stipend is prorated based upon full time equivalency.
Application Deadline
9/28/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
Date Posted
9/14/2026
Contact
Number of Openings
1
Salary
Pay Range
$27.20 - $34.29 Per Hour
$27.20 - $34.29 Per Hour
Add'l Salary Info
Based on the 2026-2027 Classified Salary Schedule (salary range placement depends on relevant education/experience).
Length of Work Year
32.5 hours per week/10 months per year/ 0.8125 FTE
Employment Type
Full Time