Instructional Assistant/Paraeducator

Instructional Assistant/ Paraeducator

Reports To: Classroom Teachers, Special Education Teachers, Building Administrators, Director of Special Education Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

To learn more about Harwood Unified Union School District and our schools, visit https://huusd.org/our-schools

Position Objective

Support students, including those with disabilities or special education needs, by implementing individualized educational programs, instructional assistance, and life skills support. Provide academic, behavioral, and physical assistance to promote student progress, safety, and social-emotional growth in both individualized and mainstream classroom settings.

Key Responsibilities:

Student Support & Instruction

• Assist students individually or in small groups with academic tasks, life skills, and social-emotional learning.
• Adapt classroom materials and instructional methods to meet student needs, in collaboration with teachers and other educational professionals.
• Implement instructional strategies under the guidance of teachers and support staff.
• Support students’ physical needs, including toileting, self-care, feeding programs, wheelchair transfers, and other specialized assistance.
• Supervise students during teacher absences, transitions, community activities, field trips, or other school events.
• Assist with the administration of informal assessments to monitor student progress.
• Participate in team meetings to develop, evaluate, and refine instructional and behavioral strategies.

Behavioral Support

• Implement and assist with behavior management plans under teacher guidance.
• Support students in developing socially appropriate behaviors using positive reinforcement and approved behavior strategies.
• Respond effectively to disruptive behaviors, ensuring student and staff safety and minimizing escalation.

Professional Collaboration & Development

• Communicate effectively with teachers, parents, administrators, and outside service providers regarding student progress and needs.
• Participate in professional development, training sessions, and meetings to enhance instructional and behavioral skills.
• Assist in implementing assistive technologies and therapy programs as directed by teachers or specialists.

Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of student progress, behaviors, and interventions.
• Prepare materials, organize supplies, and perform routine office tasks as needed.
• Follow established protocols for student safety, privacy, and confidentiality.

Supervision

Receives technical direction from classroom and special education teachers. Works independently with students while receiving general administrative oversight from the principal or director of special education services.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No formal supervisory responsibilities. May assist or mentor junior staff, parent volunteers, or teacher assistants as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; postsecondary coursework or training in education, special education, psychology, or child development preferred.
• Experience working with children, including students with disabilities or special education needs, preferred.

Licenses & Certifications

• First Aid and CPR training desirable.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of basic instructional strategies and behavior support techniques.
• Ability to assist students physically and provide individualized support.
• Proficiency in basic computer applications; experience with educational or adaptive technologies preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and effective in stressful situations or medical emergencies.

Physical Effort & Working Conditions

Frequent: seeing, hearing, talking, standing, walking, using hands for tasks.
Occasional: lifting, carrying, bending, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching, assisting students physically.

Exposure: emotionally stressful situations requiring professional judgment, dust, noise, outdoor conditions, and infectious diseases.

Work Environment: typically quiet to moderate, with occasional exposure to varying school settings and student needs.

The Instructional Assistant / Paraeducator plays a vital role in supporting students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development, ensuring individualized learning plans are implemented safely and effectively, and fostering student growth in a collaborative, inclusive school environment.