Special Education Instructional Assistant – Life Skills

Job Title:

Pay Range:

$18-$24/hourly

Job Description:

Special Education Instructional Assistant-Life Skills | Full-Time | Carlsbad, NM | In-Person

About the Role

We’re hiring full-time Special Education Instructional Assistants to support K–5 students in a Life Skills (low-incidence) classroom in Carlsbad, NM. You’ll work alongside the classroom teacher to help students build communication, daily living, social, and early academic skills in a structured, supportive environment. It’s meaningful, hands-on work where you’ll see your impact on students’ growth and independence every day.

Why Join Us

• Full benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k)
  • Paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation
  • Supportive and collaborative school-based environment
  • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students with unique needs
  • Work alongside experienced special education professionals as part of a dedicated classroom team

What You’ll Do

• Support K–5 students one-on-one and in small groups under the direction of the classroom teacher
• Help students build communication, self-care, daily living, and social skills
• Reinforce early academic skills like reading, math, and fine motor activities
• Follow IEP goals and behavior plans, and help track student progress
• Use visual supports, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement to build independence
• Help with personal care needs such as toileting, feeding, and mobility as needed
• Support students during transitions, lunch, recess, and specials
• Keep students safe and work closely with teachers, therapists, and school staff

What We’re Looking For

Must Have

• High school diploma or equivalent
• At least 18 years old
• New Mexico Level 3 Educational Assistant license (NMPED), or willingness to get one within 90 days of hire
• One of the following to qualify for the Level 3 license: ParaPro Assessment score of 457+ ParaEducator test score of 70% in each section Passing Praxis Core scores in reading, writing, and math 48+ college semester hours with the required 15-credit mix Associate’s degree with the required 15-credit mix Bachelor’s degree or higher
• NMPED background check and fingerprinting

Preferred

Experience in life skills / low-incidence classrooms preferred. Candidates without the Level 3 license may be considered if they are willing to obtain it within 90 days of hire.

About Point Quest Group

Point Quest Group is a leading national provider of special education services, partnering with 350+ school districts to help students with unique needs thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Everything we do starts with one unwavering commitment: students first.

Guided by a growth mindset, courageous leadership, and a deep culture of collaboration, fun, and determination, our teams show up every day ready to do whatever it takes for the students we serve. Through in-district services, therapeutic day schools, and specialized staffing, we deliver the personalized support every student needs — and deserves — to succeed.

Point Quest Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.