Instructional Assistant (ISP) (SY25-26)

Position: Instructional Assistant - Special Education, ISP Program

Position Type: Full-time

Department: Student Services

Location: Watertown Middle School

Reports to: School Principal       

Affiliation: WEA Unit D

Salary range: Per the Unit D Salary Scale

General Description:

Instructional Assistants will assist teachers in providing an innovative, high quality education program designed to meet the needs of the children in the Watertown Public Schools. Instructional Assistants will work with school staff to create an educational environment in which quality and continuity are key factors in educating the students of the Watertown Public Schools. This position supports the Integrated Support Program (ISP). The ISP program is a specialized special education program that services students with global cognitive delays.

This position frequently supports students with significant learning, communication, behavioral, and/or social-emotional needs in both inclusive classrooms and specialized programs by reinforcing instructional goals, assisting with behavioral supports, implementing accommodations, and helping students access the curriculum. This role requires professionalism, flexibility, collaboration, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality while supporting student growth and independence.

This role may involve supporting students with significant and complex learning and behavioral needs. Successful candidates demonstrate patience, flexibility, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to respond calmly and professionally in dynamic situations while maintaining a supportive and respectful learning environment. 

Responsibilities:

Under direction from the school administration, general education teacher, special education teacher, and related service providers, provide needed supports to students during instructional periods as well as non-instructional activities

• Maintain student data as directed by teachers and related service providers
• Follow and implement behavior support plans as provided by teachers/related service providers
• Assist in implementing accommodations and modifications outlined in students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Support implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) under the guidance of licensed staff
• Provide structured support, prompting, modeling, and redirection to help students access instruction and participate in classroom activities 
• Assist students in developing self-regulation, communication, and executive functioning skills
• Assist students with personal care needs (feeding, toileting) as needed
• Incorporate knowledge of student learning styles and child development to assist student learning
• Recognize when teaching and learning strategies are not successful and seek the guidance of the classroom teacher to adapt assistance accordingly
• React professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g. environmental changes, behavior/aggression, etc.) and seek guidance when additional support is needed
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications Required:

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of two years experience working with young children.
• Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment
• Flexibility with respect to age groups, assignments
• Ability to follow through with directions
• Experience working with students who have significant learning and social/emotional needs
• Experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans and an understanding of functions of behaviors
• Must have experience with or ability to learn ABA methodology and techniques
• Ability to take initiative to complete tasks and to assist students with de-escalation techniques and executive functioning skills
• Ability to work collaboratively as a part of a team
• Experience with, or ability to learn to utilize, assistive technology and PECS functional communication systems in support of students

Preferred:

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
• Certification as a teacher or a license as a social worker.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.