Instructional Assistant - Intensive Mental Health Program

JOB TITLE

Instructional Assistant (Special

Education:

Self‑Contained in the IMHP Setting)

Non‑exempt, hourly employee.

181 days (the days when students are scheduled to attend school).

7 hours per day, not including a 30‑minute unpaid meal break.

Scheduled to work all days when students are scheduled to attend school, depending on the school calendar.

Paid on the "Instructional Assistants" salary schedule for the designated program, level
4. Eligible for benefits on the "Support Staff" benefits schedule. Starting pay: $21.63 per hour.

Supervised by one or more teachers. Instructional Assistants and teachers report to the building Principal or designee.

No supervision of other employees.

Under direct supervision, the Instructional Assistant supports students with diverse learning needs in a Special Education classroom. The role involves assisting the Special Education Teacher, fostering an inclusive learning environment, and addressing academic and social development needs. Work hours align with the school schedule, with occasional meetings and events. The Assistant performs related work as directed.

• Student Support:
  • Provide one‑on‑one or small‑group assistance with academic, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Assist students in achieving goals requiring physical and emotional support for classroom, cafeteria, and school situations as outlined by their IEP and teacher direction.
  • Participate in community‑based instruction, supporting school and community job and skill development.
• Behavioral Support and Safety & Health:
  • Implement behavior management strategies following IEPs to support emotional and behavioral development.
  • Ensure student safety and well‑being at all times, following protocols for medical and emergency situations.
  • Receive NCI training for de‑escalation and safety.
  • Assist students with daily living skills such as dressing, eating, lavatory needs, grooming, medical needs, and personal hygiene, complying with hygiene rules and sanitation procedures.
• Assistive Technology:
  Familiarize students with assistive technology tools and help them use these devices to enhance learning and communication.
• Classroom Preparation:
  Collaborate with the teacher to prepare instructional materials, adapt curriculum, and create a supportive classroom environment.
• Data Tracking:
  • Collect and record data on student progress and behavior for accurate documentation in IEP progress reports and meetings.
  • Reinforce behaviors that demonstrate achievement and growth of identified goals.
• Inclusion:
  Facilitate inclusion of students with disabilities into general‑education classroom activities, ensuring equal curriculum access.
• Communication:
  Maintain open and effective communication with teachers and other specialists involved in student education.
• Professional Development:
  Stay informed about best practices in special education and participate in training opportunities to improve skills and knowledge.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or designee.

• Perform related duties as directed.

• Education/Training: High School diploma or GED required;
  Associate's degree or higher, or at least 60 semester hours from an accredited institution preferred. Official transcripts must be provided for validation.
• Experience: Previous vocational training or work experience with school‑age children with special needs preferred.
• Certifications & Licenses: Must meet paraprofessional requirements outlined in ESSA. Pass Expanded Criminal History Check, Expanded Child Protection Index Check, and Para Pro Assessment. Para Pro Assessment available for all Warren Township prospective employees at no cost.
• Other: Ability to perform essential functions, meet performance aptitudes, and fulfill physical/sensory/environmental requirements (with or without reasonable accommodations). Understanding of developmental, physical, and emotional behaviors and challenges of students with moderate‑to‑profound intellectual, physical, or emotional disabilities, with demonstrated…