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Working With Special Needs Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dayton Area School Consortium

Special Needs Aide

Dayton, OH · On-site

$13.75 - $18/hr

Celina City Schools Celina City Schools is looking for a special needs aide to provide academic and ... Experience working with students with disabilities preferred. * Ability to work collaboratively ...

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How much do working with special needs jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for working with special needs in the United States is $65,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What qualifications do I need to work with special needs?

To work with individuals with special needs, most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant certifications such as CPR and first aid. Many roles also prefer or require specialized training or coursework in special education, developmental disabilities, or related fields, and some positions may require a state-specific license or certification.

What are some common challenges faced when working with special needs individuals, and how can they be addressed?

One of the most common challenges in this role is effectively communicating with individuals who may have varying communication abilities or behavioral needs. Building trust and using individualized strategies, such as visual supports or alternative communication devices, can help bridge these gaps. Additionally, adapting lesson plans or activities to suit different learning styles requires flexibility and creativity. Collaboration with other professionals, such as therapists and educators, is essential to provide comprehensive support and ensure each individual's needs are met. Ongoing professional development and patience are key to overcoming these challenges.

What are good jobs for people with special needs?

Good jobs for people with special needs include roles such as data entry, assembly line work, retail cashier, or administrative assistant, which often offer flexible schedules and accommodations. These jobs typically require basic skills, patience, and sometimes specific certifications or training, and can be found in various settings including offices, retail stores, and manufacturing environments.

What does it mean to work with special needs individuals?

Working with special needs individuals involves assisting children or adults who have physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional challenges. This role may include helping with daily activities, educational support, therapeutic exercises, and fostering social skills. Professionals in this field aim to promote independence, inclusion, and improved quality of life for those they support. They often collaborate with families, educators, and healthcare providers to tailor care to each individual's unique requirements.

What is the difference between Working With Special Needs vs Working With Children with Autism?

AspectWorking With Special NeedsWorking With Children with Autism
Required CredentialsCPR certification, special education training, relevant certificationsAutism-specific training, behavioral intervention certifications
Work EnvironmentSchools, therapy centers, community programsSpecialized autism centers, schools, home-based settings
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, healthcare providers, social servicesAutism-focused clinics, special education programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in special needs supportFocusing on autism-specific caregiving and interventions

Working With Special Needs is a broad role encompassing various disabilities and conditions, while Working With Children with Autism specifically focuses on autism spectrum disorder. Both roles require specialized training and often overlap in work environments, but the focus and certifications may differ based on the specific needs of the children served.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive when working with special needs individuals, and why are they important?

To thrive when working with special needs individuals, you typically need knowledge of developmental disabilities, behavior management, and individualized education plans (IEPs), often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with assistive technologies, adaptive communication systems, and specialized teaching tools is highly beneficial. Patience, empathy, strong communication, and adaptability are critical soft skills for building trust and effectively supporting diverse needs. These skills and qualifications are vital for fostering an inclusive environment and promoting the well-being and growth of individuals with special needs.
More about Working With Special Needs jobs
What cities are hiring for Working With Special Needs jobs? Cities with the most Working With Special Needs job openings:
What states have the most Working With Special Needs jobs? States with the most job openings for Working With Special Needs jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Working With Special Needs jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Working With Special Needs jobs are:
Working With Special Needs jobs near you
Infographic showing various Working With Special Needs job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,642 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Special Needs Swim Instructor

Goldfish Swim School

Clifton Park, NY • On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Responsive recruiter
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance

Job Description: Special Needs Swim Instructor
(Golden Learners Program)
Are you looking for a FUN and AMAZING place to work where you can make a real difference? Then look no further!
IF YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT WORKING WITH CHILDREN OF ALL ABILITIES, YOU'RE AT THE RIGHT PLACE!
Goldfish Swim School is seeking FUN, PATIENT, and ENERGETIC individuals to teach in our Golden Learners Program, designed specifically for children with special needs, including but not limited to autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, and other developmental or physical differences.
This role requires prior experience working with children with special needs. We provide swim-specific training, curriculum instruction, and ongoing support.
Our mission is to help every child become a confident, life-long swimmer in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment - and we would love for you to be part of that journey.
Position Overview
Special Needs Swim Instructors teach students ranging in age from 4 months to 12 years in a 90-degree, indoor pool, providing individualized instruction tailored to each child's physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory needs.
Looking to fill positions ASAP - hiring process can take less than one week!
What We Offer
  • Paid, specialized training in adaptive swim instruction
  • Weekly pay
  • Consistent, set schedules
  • Part-time and full-time opportunities
  • Career growth opportunities
  • Inclusive, mission-driven work environment
  • Positive and supportive team culture

Key Responsibilities
  • Provide swim instruction using the Goldfish Swim School curriculum, adapting lessons to meet individual needs
  • Work one-on-one or in small groups with children with special needs
  • Use patience, empathy, and structure to support sensory, behavioral, and physical differences
  • Maintain a safe, calm, and encouraging learning environment
  • Ensure student safety at all times
  • Track and document student progress
  • Communicate effectively with parents/guardians regarding goals and progress
  • Use problem-solving and flexibility to address challenges during lessons
  • Inspect pool areas before and after classes and report concerns
  • Maintain and properly store pool equipment
  • Perform light cleaning duties as needed
  • Attend required trainings and in-service meetings
  • Perform additional duties as assigned

Required Qualifications
  • Previous experience working with children with special needs (professional or structured volunteer experience required)
  • Experience may include work with children with autism, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorders, ADHD, or similar developmental or physical differences
  • Ability to remain calm, patient, and attentive in dynamic environments
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to follow safety procedures and lesson plans
  • Reliable transportation and consistent availability

Preferred Experience
  • Swim instruction, aquatic therapy, or adaptive sports experience
  • Background in special education, ABA therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, childcare, or behavioral support
  • CPR, First Aid, or lifeguard certification (or willingness to obtain)

Core Skills & Attributes
  • Compassion and empathy
  • High emotional intelligence
  • Flexibility and adaptability
  • Strong observational skills
  • Team-oriented mindset
  • High energy with strong attention to detail

Compensation: $16.50 - $20.00 per hour
Tropical Vibes & Impacting Lives!
You feel it the moment you walk in. There's more than vibrant colors, a tropical theme and happy children. There's something different, something extraordinary. Something truly GOLDEN. It's passionNot just a passion for kids or a passion for swimming...it's a special passion for changing - even saving - lives, by being a part of kids learning to swim.
When you work at Goldfish, you're not just an employee. You're a part of something bigger. You're making an impact; a splash in the lives of the children in your community. You're an integral part of a team, working together to move forward a mission. You're also making waves in your future, learning life lessons in and out of the pool through mentorship, leadership and passion. At Goldfish, it's more than a job - it's an endless pool of possibilities, opportunities and life-changing moments!
Making Waves with Passion, Purpose & Core Values!
At Goldfish, our core values are at the heart of everything we do, and behind every decision that we make. To us, these values are more than just words - they're embraced with purpose in our everyday lives, and what allows us to make a splash in our community, and in the lives of our members and our team!
We go above and beyond with every detail to create a GOLDEN Experience!
We believe in nurturing a culture that provides WOW! Customer Service
We do the right things, make the right decisions and treat people with Integrity • Compassion • Trust
We meet and exceed expectations so you see Extraordinary Results
We make a big deal about life's accomplishments by remembering to Celebrate!
Each Goldfish Swim School is an independently owned and operated franchise. The respective Franchisee is the employer at each Goldfish Swim School location. Each franchisee can set their own wages, benefit programs and terms and conditions of employment, which may vary at each Goldfish Swim School location.

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