Teacher Assistant / Teacher Aide (1:1 Support)

Position Summary:  IKAR - a dynamic, progressive, justice-oriented, Jewish spiritual community in Los Angeles - is seeking to hire 1:1 support for our students. Students from grades Pre-K through 7th meet once or twice a week to expand their Jewish knowledge and relationships as part of our Limudim program. We are ideally looking for individuals who have experience working with neurodivergent populations, and/or educational backgrounds in related fields. If hired, you will be expected to remain with your assigned student throughout class times, offering consistent guidance, redirection, and encouragement. Some of our students may require behavioral support, while others may require physical support with motor skills. This role is central in helping the student participate meaningfully in classroom activities and facilitating their sense of belonging in the IKAR and Limudim community. 

Student Support

• Provide continuous support to the student during class sessions, transitions, pick up, and drop off.
• Implement individualized strategies outlined in the student’s behavior or support plan.
• Assist with regulation by offering and facilitating sensory breaks and providing sensory tools and supports as needed.
• Support with physical activities of daily living as needed (e.g., feeding, movement, or other care tasks).
• Use of positive reinforcement and proactive strategies to encourage appropriate behavior.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers, specialists, and the inclusion team to ensure the student’s needs are met.
• Monitor and document observations regarding the student’s progress, challenges, and successes.
• Maintain a patient, respectful, and supportive presence at all times.

Parent Communication 

• Communicate consistently with parents/caregivers of assigned student, providing a brief summary of the child's day, and checking in at least 1x/month and as needed.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children in educational, childcare, or therapeutic settings preferred.
• Knowledge of behavior management strategies and/or sensory regulation supports.
• Comfortable with supporting physical care needs in a safe and respectful manner.
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and positive in dynamic classroom environments.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Competencies: 

• Takes initiative to work both independently and collaboratively
• Approaches challenges and projects flexibly, adaptively, and creatively
• Exemplifies the values of IKAR in both personal and professional life
• Interacts in an open, positive and compassionate way with a wide variety of people
• Values and thrives on collaboration

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the described duties satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Other Physical Requirements: 

This job requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity: IKAR prides itself on being an equal opportunity employer and committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Salary and Benefits: $30/hour

How to Apply: Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected] and [email protected].

In your cover letter, please:

1. Briefly tell us your story
2. Describe the skills and experience you would bring to this position

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Systemic inequities in hiring have caused women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ folks, and others to apply to jobs only if they meet every requirement. We encourage you to break that statistic and apply, as no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. We look forward to your application.

About IKAR: IKAR, an innovative model for Jewish engagement, launched in 2004 in an effort to reclaim the vitality and relevance of Jewish religious practice and reimagine the contours of Jewish community. Recognized nationally for its success in engaging young and disaffected Jews, IKAR is a positive and proactive response to the declining trend in affiliation in the Jewish community. IKAR is dedicated to reanimating Jewish life through imaginative engagement with ritual and spiritual practice and a deep commitment to social justice. Fusing piety and hutzpah, obligation and inspiration, we are harnessing an untapped energy in the Jewish community –attracting and mobilizing Jews who contribute their vast intellectual and creative resources to address real world concerns effectively and unapologetically. Since its founding, we have witnessed exponential growth from a handful of people to a community of 1,000+ member households – making it one of the fastest growing Jewish communities in the country. Hundreds of others – both in Los Angeles and nationally – participate in a wide diversity of IKAR programs and services. In addition to establishing a vital presence in Los Angeles, we have also become a leading model of engaging, authentic, resonant Jewish life that is inspiring change in synagogues and communities around the country.