About The HEART Center
The HEART Center is a nonprofit microschool and equine-based learning program serving students with disabilities.
Our Education through Recreation model combines academics, communication, life skills, vocational learning, recreation, community experiences, and equine-assisted activities. We believe students learn best when education is meaningful, hands-on, connected to real life, and built around their individual strengths.
We are a small, collaborative school community where students receive individualized support and staff have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with the learners they serve.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dependable, patient, and engaged Instructional Assistant & Communication Partner to support students throughout the school day.
This role is more than traditional classroom assistance. Our learning aides serve as instructional partners, communication partners, and trusted members of each student’s support team. They help students access instruction, communicate, regulate, participate in classroom activities, and build greater independence.
Our students have a wide range of communication, sensory, physical, academic, and support needs. The right candidate will presume competence, remain flexible, and understand that communication and participation may look different for every student.
Prior classroom or disability-support experience is helpful, but we are also willing to train the right person who is dependable, compassionate, eager to learn, and genuinely interested in supporting students with disabilities.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities may include:
- Supporting students during classroom instruction and hands-on learning activities
- Working individually with students or supporting small-group instruction
- Helping students access reading, writing, math, science, social studies, life skills, and vocational activities
- Supporting students who use AAC devices, letterboards, or other individualized communication systems
- Serving as a communication partner under the guidance of classroom leadership
- Supporting sensory, emotional, and physical regulation
- Helping students participate in routines, transitions, recreation, and community-based activities
- Encouraging independence while providing appropriate individualized assistance
- Supporting students with mobility, feeding, personal care, or other daily needs when required
- Following lesson plans and direction provided by the classroom Learning Guide
- Preparing classroom materials and maintaining an organized learning environment
- Observing student participation and sharing relevant information with the classroom team
- Supporting equine-assisted learning, recreation, vocational activities, and field trips
- Helping with horse care, campus preparation, and general school responsibilities as assigned
- Participating in staff meetings, training, school events, camps, and seasonal programming
Schedule
The primary school-year schedule is:
Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Occasional Fridays may be required for:
- Staff development and training
- Classroom and school preparation
- Recreation-based community field trips
- School events
- Camps or other program needs
Dates for required Friday activities will be communicated as they are scheduled.
The HEART Center follows a school-year calendar. Fewer hours may be required during certain school breaks; however, team members remain responsible for assigned school preparation, horse care, training, campus support, and school-break programming.
Summer work may be available through The HEART Center’s camps and seasonal programs. Continued summer pay is based on participation in assigned summer programming. Employees who choose not to work available summer programs may have their position and compensation placed on hold until the school year resumes.
Compensation
Starting pay: $18–$21 per hour, based on relevant experience, skills, and ability to independently support student communication and participation.
Qualifications
Preferred candidates will have experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Classroom or instructional support
- Special education or disability services
- Paraprofessional or learning-aide work
- AAC or communication support
- Childcare, recreation, camps, or youth programs
- Life-skills or vocational programming
- Supporting individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, or complex support needs
Formal experience in every area is not required. Training will be provided, but applicants must be willing to learn, accept feedback, and consistently follow student-support and safety procedures.
Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be dependable, patient, flexible, and willing to take initiative
- Be comfortable working closely with students with a wide range of disabilities
- Be willing to learn and support individualized communication systems
- Be able to follow classroom plans and direction while responding appropriately to student needs
- Be comfortable participating in active, outdoor, equine, and community-based programming
- Be able to safely stand, walk, bend, lift, and assist with physical classroom and student-support tasks
- Maintain student dignity, confidentiality, and professional boundaries
- Have reliable transportation to report to assigned work and program locations
- Complete all required background screenings
- Obtain and maintain an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card
- Obtain and maintain current CPR and First Aid certification
- Participate in required safety, mandated-reporting, abuse-prevention, communication, and disability-support training
Who We Are Looking For
This role may be a strong fit for someone who:
- Believes students with disabilities are capable and deserving of meaningful opportunities
- Presumes competence and respects all forms of communication
- Is calm, patient, and able to remain supportive during challenging moments
- Enjoys active, hands-on work rather than sitting behind a desk all day
- Can follow direction while also noticing what needs to be done
- Is comfortable supporting personal care and daily living needs
- Understands that communication, connection, and regulation are essential parts of learning
- Works well as part of a close, collaborative team
- Is open to feedback and motivated to build new skills
- Wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families
To Apply
All applicants must submit a résumé and a brief introduction message through Indeed or by email.
Your introduction should share:
- Your relevant experience
- Why you are interested in this position
- Why you believe you would be a strong fit for The HEART Center
Résumés submitted without an introduction message will not be considered.
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience working with individuals with autism or related disorders?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
