Special Education Instructional Assistant

position overview

under the general direction of one or more certified classroom teachers and/or school administrators, special education instructional assistants monitor, assist, and provide support for students with special needs to implement each student's individualized education program (iep). Assistance may include extensive physical and/or personal care support and must be performed under the direction of a special education teacher. The assistant may be required to lift, as appropriate to student needs.

• 10‑month position (190 days per year), 7 hours per day.
• daily work hours: tbd.

• support salary scale grade s06: $21.65 per hour starting.
• this position is non‑exempt from overtime under the fair labor and standards act.
• salary placement will follow the salary procedures of the frederick county public school system. The vacancy is part of an ongoing classification study to review duties, responsibilities, and placement within the organization.

• supports students under the direction of a certified fcps staff member.
• communicates and documents student progress.
• sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by students as directed.
• facilitates student progress toward independence.
• monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities.
• assists students with routine physical and/or personal care not required to be performed by a nurse.
• monitors and assists students in meeting iep goals and objectives.
• carries out emergency action and/or health care plans for designated students.
• assists students with classroom accessibility.
• prioritizes work assignments appropriately.
• completes appropriate amount of work efficiently; seeks additional assignments as time permits.
• demonstrates support for the organization and its goals; accepts constructive criticism.
• reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely, and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern.
• demonstrates working knowledge of english, spelling, vocabulary, and mathematics.
• maintains confidentiality of student information.
• participates in professional development trainings.
• assists with administering, scoring, and recording assessments.
• may participate in crisis intervention techniques.
• works effectively in a team environment.
• provides general clerical support for the special education program, including typing, filing, making phone calls, scheduling, classroom preparation, and other similar tasks.

• attends iep team meetings and staff meetings as directed and/or scheduled.
• provides weekly classroom coverage for teachers attending iep team meetings.

• high school diploma or equivalent (ged). 48 college credits, an aa degree, or passing one of the following exams (para pathways, pearson nes: foundations of classroom support, or pearson nes: foundations of classroom support & instruction) may satisfy the requirement.
• demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely in both oral and written form.
• working knowledge of english, spelling vocabulary, and mathematics.
• willingness to participate in training programs or professional development designed by the principal or central office staff related to the job function.
• capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• regular and predictable attendance.

• associate of arts degree.
• college‑level coursework related to child development.
• previous experience working with children in an educational setting.
• experience working with students with disabilities.
• bilingual in spanish.
• knowledge of american sign language.
• knowledge of child development and instructional strategies.
• familiarity with the fcps policies, goals and programs.

• frequent bending, lifting, walking may be required.
• may require moving wheelchairs, operating lifting devices and assisting students with self‑care needs.
• assist with physically aggressive behaviors as needed.
• ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 lbs.

for more information about employee benefits, please go to https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

frederick county public schools is an equal opportunity employer.

this job description has been written to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by an employee holding this position. It is not written to include or be interpreted to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the employee. Nothing in this description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities or add required qualifications at any time.