What are the responsibilities and job description for the In-School Suspension (ISS) Instructional Assistant position at Isanti Middle School?
Qualifications/Experience:
High School Diploma/GED required.
Proven experience working with children or adolescents, preferably in an educational, youth program, or behavioral health setting.
Experience or comfort using Student Information Systems (SIS) such as PowerSchool, Infinite Campus, Skyward, or similar school software for logging referrals, attendance, and student notes.
A successful background check is required.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Needed:
Patience, flexibility, initiative, and a genuine commitment to supporting students. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive, trusting relationships with diverse student populations while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and professional boundaries. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, follow direction, and independently respond to student needs. Strong behavior management, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills, with the ability to remain calm, consistent, and supportive in challenging situations. Familiarity with Restorative Justice practices, Trauma-Informed Care, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) preferred. Ability to provide effective academic and behavioral support in both general and special education settings.
Exemplifies the following Five Character Traits: compassion, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, and honesty.
Specific Tasks:
Provide structured supervision and behavioral support for students in the Ready to Learn Room and In-School Suspension (ISS), helping students regulate emotions, de-escalate, reflect on behavioral incidents, and prepare to successfully return to the classroom. Facilitate restorative conversations, reinforce positive behavior strategies and clear expectations, and maintain a safe, calm, and accountable environment. Coordinate with teachers to obtain assignments, support students in completing academic work, and help them remain engaged in learning. Collaborate with teachers, counselors, social workers, administrators, and other support staff to monitor student progress, identify behavior patterns, document student visits and interventions, and communicate relevant information clearly and objectively. See job description for additional information.
Hours Per Day:
7.5 hours/day, approx. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
As per contract
Benefit-eligible position: health, dental, and optical insurance, supplemental insurance available, long-term disability coverage, district-paid life insurance policy, retirement plan, sick days, vacation days, holidays, and more!