Special Education Instructional Assistant; HOD

Special Education Instructional Assistant (HOD)

Norfolk Public Schools – H. Olive Day Elementary School, Norfolk, Massachusetts

Job : 5819358

Final date to receive applications: Jul 21, 2026 11:59 PM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 26, 2026

The Special Education Instructional Assistant is employed to support and assist in the delivery of the core curriculum and specialized programming. The assistant works under the direct supervision of educators and specialists to support whole‑class instruction and assist with academic instruction, targeted social, emotional, and behavioral health interventions for individual or small groups of identified students with special needs.

Qualifications: Associate’s Degree or Para Pro Certificate required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. College‑level training in education, special education, child development, or psychology is highly desirable.

Reports To: Building Principal, Director of Student Support Services

Work Year: 10-month school year position (183 days)

Academic and Special Education Program Support:

• Assist special education students in accessing both the general education curriculum and specialized instructional settings.
• Assist teachers by preparing materials for adapted or modified lessons, classroom activities, and assessments in strict accordance with each student’s current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan under direction of educator.
• Work with individual students or small groups on prescribed educational programs to reinforce skills under the direct supervision of the educator.
• Assist the teacher in creating and maintaining an instructional environment that is organized, predictable, and conducive to learning.
• Facilitate clear, professional communication and collaboration between special educators, specialists, and general education classroom teachers.

Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health Support:

• Support and implement the behavioral philosophy and positive behavioral intervention frameworks of the building as defined by educator.
• Encourage appropriate student behaviors by assisting with motivation, engagement, and positive behavior management strategies.
• Follow student‑specific Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), crisis management protocols, and prescribed consequences for student behavior with high fidelity.
• Support students in developing self‑regulation, coping mechanisms, and social competencies during structured and unstructured times.
• Adhere strictly to the Norfolk Public Schools Physical Restraint Policy and the Norfolk Public Schools Crisis Intervention Policy.
• Accurately document behavioral, emotional, and academic data as specified and required by the student’s team or individual plan.

Instructional and Non‑Instructional Supervision:

• Support students across all school environments to ensure safety and inclusion, including arrival and dismissal duties, lunchroom supervision, recess duties, field trips, classroom transitions, and general work habits.
• Attend specialist classes (such as Art, Music, Physical Education, and Media) with students as determined by the IEP Team or specialist teacher to support participation and behavioral regulation.
• Assist in maintaining clean, safe, and organized classroom areas appropriate for learning.

Student‑Specific Physical and Personal Care Guidelines:

• Respond to the specific physical needs of students, including proper positioning, lifting, and the reinforcement of gross/fine motor self‑help skills.
• Assist individual students with personal care routines, including toileting, hygiene, and feeding or the explicit teaching of utensil use, while preserving student dignity, as needed.
• Utilize school‑to‑home communication logs strictly according to the format and boundaries agreed upon with the student’s team liaison.

Professionalism and Responsibility:

• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, maintain an appropriate professional demeanor, and serve as a positive role model within the school setting.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality regarding student records, family information, and staff consultations at all times.
• Work collaboratively with all building staff and…