Instructional Assistant – Special Needs Support

Position Purpose

Essential Job Functions

Instructional Support

• Provides one-to-one or small-group academic support to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, and other instructional programs as assigned.
• Implements teacher-directed strategies, accommodations, and modifications outlined in the student’s IEP.
• Assists in preparing classroom materials, adapting instructional resources, and reinforcing individualized learning activities.
• Supports the administration and collection of classroom assignments, tests, and progress-monitoring assessments.

Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support

• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure safety, and maintain student engagement.
• Implements behavior support plans and reinforcement strategies as directed by certified staff.
• Models and supports positive social interactions and coping skills.

Special Needs & Personal Care Support

• Assists the student with activities of daily living (e.g., mobility support, toileting, feeding, hygiene, organization) as required to access instructional activities.
• Provides physical assistance, prompting, or supervision to promote independence and ensure safety.
• Supports implementation of specialized programs such as sensory activities, communication systems, behavior intervention plans, and other individualized supports.
• Follows all safety procedures and training related to assisting students with disabilities, including lifting/transfer protocols and health-related accommodations.

General Support

• Supervises the student in non-instructional settings such as lunch, recess, hallways, arrival/dismissal, bus duty, or field trips.
• Assists with record-keeping needed to document student performance, behavior tracking, IEP progress, or accommodations used.
• Communicates relevant observations to the supervising teacher or case manager.
• Supports positive and collaborative relationships with families as requested by certified staff.

IEP & Team Collaboration

• Participates in team discussions as requested and provides input related to student progress and needs.
• Works cooperatively with teachers, support staff, and administrators to ensure consistent implementation of the student’s educational program.

Additional Duties

• Assists guidance, pupil services staff, or building administration as needed.
• Performs other duties assigned by the supervising teacher or building administrator.

Equipment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work effectively with students with disabilities in a compassionate, patient, and supportive manner.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding student information.
• Ability to implement accommodations, behavior plans, and specialized instructional strategies.
• Ability to use technology, including computers and educational software.
• Strong communication skills with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain emotional regulation and problem-solving skills when working with students who have behavioral or emotional needs.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard school environments, with some outdoor activities required.
• Must be able to assist with lifting/transferring students if needed (training provided).
• Must be able to respond appropriately in situations requiring physical intervention consistent with district training and policy.

Qualifications Profile

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• 60 college credit hours or a passing score on the ETS ParaPro Test required.
• Experience working with children with disabilities preferred.

• Applications are accepted until a position is filled.
• Only applicants who supply the requested documents outlined below and fully complete the application will be considered.
• Faxed, mailed, and emailed applications will not be accepted.