Instructional Assistant, At-Risk

2026-27 Instructional Assistant, At-Risk Job Description

This is a general job posting for anticipated teaching vacancies and current vacancies as indicated below. If interested in a specific location ensure that you enter your location preference(s) in your job application.

Apply here and continue to monitor our web-site for any other vacancies that may become available in the future.

Location Number of Vacancies

Escandon ES 1

Perez ES 1

PRIMARY

PURPOSE:

To provide assistance to students for the purpose of providing a well-organized, smoothly functional supportive environment in which students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours, required

Paraprofessional Certification (required upon employment)

Special Knowledge/

Skills:

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to read, write, and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in English and Spanish; ability to work with at‑risk students; ability to follow directions and carry out assigned tasks independently and in an organized manner, basic computer skills such as keyboard/word processing, preferred and sincere interest in positive attitude

Experience:

One (1) year of experience in school setting, preferred

Background in working with at‑risk children, preferred

Days:187

Hourly Pay Range:

Minimum: $13.75

Maximum: $19.25

Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Serve as a resource to principals and teachers in the implementation of programs and services for Children At‑Risk.
• Be aware of quality at-risk programs, instructional delivery strategies for at-risk children and instructional materials targeted toward children at-risk.
• Assist individuals or small group of students in completion of assignments or projects in an inclusion setting.
• Work with individuals or small groups of students on reinforcement tasks along with the classroom teacher.
• Maintain a classroom environment that exemplifies high expectations, quality and student success.
• Collect and organize all reports required by the State and Federal Programs Office for the Children At‑Risk Program related to their position.
• Work cooperatively with the Language Enrichment teacher, classroom teachers, specialist aides, and administrators and instructional coaches to provide high-quality instructional support for Children At‑Risk.
• Coordinate instructional activities with classroom teachers, i.e. reading tests, remediating skills, etc.
• Assist in making parent contacts as appropriate and within the confines of academic issues of the student.
• Direct social/emotional issues to appropriate pupil services personnel.
• Direct student in need of further assistance to the appropriate pupil services personnel (counselor, social worker, psychologist, etc.).
• Participate in appropriate professional development activities scheduled by the State and Federal Programs Office.
• Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of fully licensed teacher.
• Assist in clerical duties in relation to correspondence regarding the Children At‑Risk Program.
• Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator) in accordance with funding source guidelines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Copier, computer, multimedia equipment and other classroom/office machines

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Ability to maintain emotional control and to communicate clearly in stressful situations; make rational decisions under stressful circumstances; deal with special needs children in a firm, supportive, but non-emotional manner; dependability and punctuality

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Long periods of time standing; ability to assist in restraining students in crisis situations

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $13.75 to $19.25 Per Hour