Instructional Assistant Special Education Pollard Middle School

Position: 2025-2026 Instructional Assistant Special Education [Pollard Middle School]
Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Special Education Teaching Assistant to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Special Education Coordinator/Director, the Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistant provides specialized instruction and support for students with complex learning profiles and/or behavioral challenges enrolled in the Intensive Learning Center/Post Graduate Program, utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis. Depending on grade level and the individual needs of students, Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistants may be responsible for the following:

* Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant special needs utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis which may take place in an inclusion setting

* Implement student specific behavior intervention plans including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de-escalation strategies, and/or providing motor breaks

* Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges following district protocols

* Support students' integration within a classroom setting through academic, social, and behavioral interventions

* Implement augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction and support for students who are non-speaking or have limited communication skills

* Provide life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate

* Provide pre-vocational training and job coaching for students in school and the larger community as appropriate

* Assist with program specific data collection to monitor student progress and develop necessary support plans (e.g. academics, social skills, and behavior plans)

* Support students to navigate the school day including non-instructional time

* Prepare instructional materials for students based on their individual learning needs and goals

* Assist with home/school communications (e.g. daily log) as assigned

* Provide regular feedback to the special education team members on student progress

* Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal or Assistant Principal

The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

* Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions

* Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students

* Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges

* Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students, including performing physical restraint when necessary

* Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs

* Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members

* Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families

* Effective written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications:

* Bachelor's degree in related field or at least 2 years experience in a similar role (i.e. ABA, job coaching, etc)

* Demonstrate aptitude for work to be performed

* Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities

* Basic knowledge of child growth and development

Job Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to high.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Will assist students with standing, sitting, organizational functions as well as life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate.

Must be Safety Care trained and may perform and/or assist in the restraint of students to…