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Special Needs Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Resident Caregiver

Irvine, CA · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

Caregiver needed for up to 50 hours per week, starting most days at 8am Monday to Friday. Start ... CNA or HHA preferred. Starting rate $21-$22 per hour.Review performance and rate after three months.

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Special Needs Assistant information

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$10

$19

$26

How much do special needs assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for special needs assistant in Riverside, CA is $19.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.53 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a special needs assistant?

Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are professionals who support teachers in schools by assisting students with disabilities or special educational needs. Their primary role is to help these students access the curriculum, participate in school activities, and develop their social and life skills. SNAs provide individualized support, such as helping with mobility, communication, and personal care, depending on each student's unique requirements. They work closely with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a special needs assistant?

To thrive as a Special Needs Assistant, you need a solid understanding of child development, experience working with individuals with disabilities, and often a relevant qualification such as a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) certificate or equivalent. Familiarity with assistive technologies, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and basic first aid is typically required. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills help build trust and effective relationships with students and colleagues. These abilities are crucial for supporting diverse learning needs, promoting inclusion, and ensuring the well-being and progress of students with special needs.

What are common challenges faced by special needs assistants in the classroom, and how can they be addressed?

Special Needs Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing diverse student needs, supporting individualized education plans, and balancing attention among multiple students. These can be addressed by maintaining open communication with teachers, using adaptive strategies tailored to each student, and participating in regular training sessions. Collaborating closely with educational teams and seeking feedback helps Special Needs Assistants adapt to evolving classroom dynamics and provide the best possible support.

What is the difference between Special Needs Assistant vs Teaching Assistant?

AspectSpecial Needs AssistantTeaching Assistant
Required CredentialsOften requires a relevant qualification or certification in special education or supportTypically requires a general education qualification; some roles prefer specific certifications
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in special education classrooms, supporting students with disabilitiesIn general classrooms, assisting teachers and supporting student learning
Employer & Industry UsageUsed mainly in schools with special education programsCommon across various school settings, including mainstream classrooms
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles supporting students with special needsCompared for general classroom support roles

Special Needs Assistants focus on supporting students with disabilities in specialized settings, requiring specific training. Teaching Assistants provide general classroom support across various subjects and environments. While both roles assist teachers, Special Needs Assistants have a specialized focus on students with special needs.

What skills do you need to be a special needs assistant?

A special needs assistant needs strong communication, patience, and empathy to support students with diverse needs. They should have good teamwork skills, basic knowledge of special education strategies, and often require certifications such as first aid or behavior management training. Physical stamina and the ability to adapt to different situations are also important.

What are the most commonly searched types of Special Needs jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Special Needs jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Special Needs Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Special Needs Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Special Needs Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,347 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Caregiver for Children and Adults with Special Needs

Aveanna Healthcare

La Verne, CA • On-site

$20 - $21/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Aveanna Healthcare rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 202 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 247 rated social care providers


Job description

Position Overview
Aveanna Healthcare has grown tremendously over the past year through a series of exciting acquisitions. We are currently looking for additional Agency Respite Care Providers to join our dynamic team.
Agency Respite Care Providers are responsible for providing non-medical personal care, assistance and companionship for clients who require supervision for reason of developmental disabilities.
Essential Job Functions:
Assist with clients' Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Provide hands-on and/or stand-by assistance, as needed, with client transfers and safe ambulation (includes assistance with the proper use of ambulation aids).
Grooming and Hygiene- Provides client hands-on and/or stand-by assistance with general hygiene and other grooming activities (washing hands & face, etc.).
Meal Preparation - Assist with preparation and serving of breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or snacks.
Dressing- Provides hands-on and/or stand-by assistance with changes of client's clothing as needed.
Toileting- Assist client on/off toilet or commode; changing diapers/briefs; and ensuring cleanliness as needed.
Engages client in appropriate conversations (caregiver is to avoid personal disclosures about self, and
discussions about client's family).
If parents request, teach, train and encourage client to perform tasks and learn skills as directed.
Entertain client by reading newspapers or books, playing memory games, completing puzzles, etc.
Follow parent instructions to work and deal with client's behavioral needs, i.e. re-direction, avoidance, withdrawal, and/or aggression.
Compliance with agency policies related to all areas of privacy and confidentiality, including HIPAA laws.
Why Join Our Team?
Our care teams enjoy the flexibility of getting to build rapport with patients to produce the best outcomes
Nationwide career opportunities where our leaders encourage advancements
Our care team works together to meet the needs of each patient
Innovative technology to make your life easier
We know that our care teams make the organization's success!
Aveanna Healthcare Offers:
401(k) with match
Health, Dental and Vision Benefits for eligible employees (30+ hours per week)
Paid Sick Time
Requirements:
Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old
Physical and mental ability to perform essential functions of the position; including but not limited to the ability to safely stoop and bend, lift, turn and transfer weight up to 50 pounds
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Proper hygiene and appropriate dress at all times
Possess basic math, reading and writing skills
CPR/First Aid as required by program
Must have available, reliable transportation, Valid Driver's License, and Acceptable MVR
Must be able to read 12 point or larger type
Must be able to hear and speak in a manner understood by most people
Must be able to function in a wide variety of environments which may involve exposure to allergens and other various conditions
Preferred:
Previous Experience working with the disabled population preferred
Completion of high school diploma or equivalent preferred
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action: Aveanna provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Aveanna complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Vaccination Requirement
As an employer accepting Medicare and Medicaid funds, employees must comply with all health-related requirements in all relevant jurisdictions, including required vaccinations and testing, subject to exemptions for medical or religious reasons as appropriate.
Notice for Job Applicants Residing in California

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About Aveanna

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Aveanna Healthcare is one of the nation's leading providers of pediatric and adult homecare in the nation. We lead with clinical quality and compassion, delivering care in over 200 locations in 23 states. While we have a national presence, we are very much a local provider in each community we serve. Our stated mission is to revolutionize the way pediatric healthcare is delivered, one patient at a time, and we hope you will help us fulfill that mission by joining the 30,000 nurses who already call Aveanna home. Apply today.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US