Special Education Instructional Assistant​/Skills

Special Education Instructional Assistant

Location:

Pendleton Heights Middle School

Schedule:

Part-time (Up to 29.5 hours/week) | Follows student school calendar

Reports to:

Jenny Chestnut (Principal)

Position Summary:

This adult support / 1:1 role provides targeted academic, behavioral, and/or physical support to a specific student with diverse needs (including intellectual, developmental, behavioral, and/or communication disabilities) within an Essential Skills classroom. The goal is to help the student achieve individual academic, social, communication, and adaptive / independent living goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• 1:1 Student Support:
  Assist a designated student with Individual Education Program (IEP) goals, adapting to their specific communication needs (including nonverbal or limited-verbal communication).
• Personal & Medical Care:
  Provide physical assistance as needed, including feeding, toileting/diapering, lifting, mobility, and transferring.
• Behavior & Therapy Support:
  Implement behavioral management and de-escalation strategies (per the Behavior Intervention Plan); support speech-language, occupational, or physical therapy goals under teacher guidance.
• School-Wide Duties:
  Assist with building needs as assigned (e.g., cafeteria, bus duty, parent drop-off/pick-up, recess).
• Flexibility:
  Serve as a substitute teacher if district needs arise.
• Note:
  
  Placements are reviewed yearly and subject to change based on student and district needs.

Qualifications:

General Requirements:

• Must pass a national background check.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• "Highly Qualified" Criteria (Must meet at least ONE):
• 48+ college credit hours, an Associate degree, or higher.
• 1 year (or 1,000 hours) of experience working with children in a school setting.
• Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• Passing score on the Praxis Para Pro Assessment (or ability to pass within the first year).
• Annual completion of SMCSC's required professional development modules and a passing annual evaluation.

Contact:
Melissa Hagerman, Principal