Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistants, Needham High School

Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistants, Needham High School (2026/2027 school year)

Location:

Needham High School, Needham, Massachusetts. Work is at the Independent Learning Center (ILC) and Post Graduate Program (PG) serving students ages 14–18 and 18–22 respectively.

Job
Final date to receive applications:
Aug 15, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Posted:
Apr 27, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date:
Aug 31, 2026
Position Type:
Full‑Time

Needham Public Schools seeks an energetic and skilled Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistant to work under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, BCBA, and Special Education Director. The role involves specialized instruction and support for students with complex learning profiles or behavioral challenges, utilizing applied behavior analysis strategies in school and community settings.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction using applied behavior analysis techniques in inclusion settings.
• Implement student‑specific behavior intervention plans including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de‑escalation strategies, and motor breaks.
• Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges following district protocols.
• Support students’ integration within classroom settings through academic, social, and behavioral interventions.
• Implement augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction for students who are non‑speaking or have limited communication skills.
• Provide life‑skill instruction covering toileting, self‑care, and travel training as appropriate.
• Provide pre‑vocational training and job coaching in school and wider community settings.
• Assist with program‑specific data collection to monitor student progress and develop support plans.
• Support students in navigating the school day, including non‑instructional time.
• Prepare instructional materials based on individual learning needs and goals.
• Assist with home/school communications such as daily logs when assigned.
• Provide regular feedback to the special education team on student progress.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal, or Assistant Principal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Knowledge of academic and social skills for developmental age groups.
• Understanding of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges.
• Decisional skills for ensuring student safety, including use of physical restraint when necessary.
• Ability to build supportive, compassionate relationships with students with special needs.
• Ability to collaborate with multiple team members.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students and families.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least two years of experience in a similar role (e.g., ABA, job coaching).
• Demonstrated aptitude for the duties of this position.
• Passion for working with children/students who have complex disabilities.
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development.

Job Environment:

Work is primarily in a school/classroom setting with occasional field trips. The noise level ranges from moderate to high. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, talking, hearing, operating a computer and handheld devices, reaching with hands and arms, and occasional lifting up to 10 lb. May assist students with standing, sitting, and organizational functions. Must be Safety Care trained and capable of performing or assisting in restraint procedures.

Compensation and Benefits:

Hourly rate: $24.94–$29.27 per hour.

Please review the Unit C Contract and our standard page for more details about compensation and benefits.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin. The schools also provide protection against discrimination for homeless students and students with limited English‑speaking ability.

All positions are subject to approval of the 2026‑2027 Needham Public School budget by the Town of Needham.