Job Description

McKinley: Youth, Family, and Community are what we are all about! We offer a great working environment and benefits package! McKinley encourages growth so that you can Be your Best H.U.M.A.N.

At McKinley employees share a set of guiding principles: We embrace a culture that is Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, Nurturing. - H.U.M.A.N.

The Company: McKinley is a highly respected welfare organization with a comprehensive array of programs and services – which touch nearly 1,800 lives annually – including short term residential treatment program (STRTP), Foster Care, Adoptions, Mental Health Services, and Special Education. McKinley has 5 locations throughout southern California with our main campus located in San Dimas. We embrace a culture that is H.U.M.A.N.- Hopeful, Understanding, Moral, Awesome, Nurturing. McKinley has created a Hopeful environment, in which we choose optimism in finding the motivation to achieve our greatest dreams. We are a team dedicated to Understanding individual needs and do so by listening and embracing each individual’s stories. We strongly embrace our agency’s Morals by treating everyone with kindness and respect. At McKinley, we acknowledge our team member’s and clients’ Awesome qualities by celebrating what makes each individual unique. We are dedicated to Nurturing a Trauma-Informed Integrated Care approach that has created a unique culture within the organization. We celebrate diversity by our commitment to cultivating an inclusive and affirming environment for all.

The Position: The Special Education Teacher Intern is part of McKinley’s credential pathway program, designed for individuals working toward their California Education Specialist Credential while gaining hands-on classroom experience. Under the general supervision of the Principal and in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, the Intern supports the planning and delivery of specialized instruction in a special education classroom while developing the skills necessary to independently lead a classroom upon full credentialing.

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Range: $27-28 Hourly

Our people are the heart of our organization, which is why we offer robust benefits to support your health and wellness as well as your personal and financial well-being.

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance- we offer a company defined contribution of $620/month
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Time Off
• Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match up to 3%
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Credit Union Membership
• Training Opportunities to Further Personal and Professional Growth

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Eligible for or currently enrolled in a California PIP, STSP, or Intern Credential Program
• Commitment to obtaining a California Education Specialist Credential
• Experience working with children or youth, preferably those with learning, emotional, or behavioral needs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Basic proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and related systems
• Ability to work collaboratively and receive coaching and feedback
• Proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and other office-related software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• General administrative and clerical abilities
• Self-Starter with the ability to work independently and manage time effectively with minimal supervision
• Experience with IEPs and academic programs is highly preferred
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to demonstrate professionalism, patience, empathy, and courtesy
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination, tuberculosis (TB) test, and drug screening
• Ability to commute to various school sites depending on program needs
• Must successfully complete and maintain certification in Pro-ACT
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, and physically assist, move, or restrain students as necessary to ensure safety and support
• Ability to perform physical duties including standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, and providing mobility or personal care to students (dressing, hygiene, toileting, etc.)
• Visual and auditory acuity to perform instructional duties and monitor student safety
• Manual dexterity is required for using instructional tools, technology, and supporting students with assistive devices
• May be required to perform prolonged work at a computer for documentation, planning, and communication purposes
• Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Child Abuse Index (CACI)
• Insurability under Corporate Automobile Insurance

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in planning and implementing daily lessons aligned with the approved curriculum
• Support differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs
• Gradually assume increased responsibility for classroom instruction as skills develop
• Assist in implementing IEP goals and behavior support plans
• Participate in IEP meetings and interdisciplinary team discussions as appropriate
• Support student progress monitoring and documentation
• Support a structured, respectful, and trauma-informed classroom environment
• Assist in managing student behavior using approved strategies
• Maintain accurate and timely records, progress notes, and required documentation
• Learn and apply compliance requirements related to special education and documentation standards
• Work closely with the assigned mentor teacher, supervisors, and multidisciplinary team
• Participate in coaching, training, and feedback sessions
• Actively engage in credential program requirements and apply learning in the classroom
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times
• Represent the agency in a professional and respectful manner
• Complete all onboarding, training, and policy acknowledgment requirements
• Perform other related duties as assigned

This role is part of McKinley’s Special Education Teacher Pipeline, which supports progression through:

• PIP / STSP Permit
• Intern Credential
• Fully Credentialed Special Education Teacher

CREDENTIAL PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS:

• Must be actively working in a classroom in a teaching capacity as part of the credential pathway program
• Must maintain a grade of “B” or higher in all required credential program coursework to remain eligible for tuition reimbursement
• Must remain in good standing within the credential program
• Must demonstrate ongoing progress toward completion of the California Education Specialist Credential

Why Should You Apply?

• Our Mission- work for an organization that makes a real difference in people’s lives
• Competitive pay
• Several benefit options
• Employee tuition reimbursement
• Great training for staff

Join McKinley to Be Your Best H.U.M.A.N.