Instructional Assistant

North Smithfield School Department, North Smithfield Middle School – North Smithfield, Rhode Island. Open in Google Maps.

Job : 5804929

Position Type: Full-time (37.5 hours) with benefits

Job Categories: Instructional Support >
Paraprofessional / IA

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Posted: Jun 26, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 24, 2026

TITLE: Instructional Assistant – Special Education

• Proof (i.e., certificate) of having met requirements of RIGL 16-11.2: “Qualifications for Teacher Assistants”
• High School Diploma.
• Skills and ability to meet the requirements of the duties assigned.
• Demonstration of patience, tact and professionalism in dealing with students, the public, teachers and administrators.
• Basic understanding of special education concepts and practices, and computers helpful.
• Ability to establish and sustain rapport with students with special needs.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• As of January 8, 2006, meet one of the following 3 requirements:
  • Completed at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education in an education‑related field; OR,
  • Obtained an associate’s or higher degree in an education‑related field; OR,
  • Meet a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state (Para Pro Assessment) or local academic assessment: knowledge and ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; OR, reading, writing, and mathematics readiness (ESEA).
• Evidence of successful completion of a RIDE‑approved Teacher Assistant Training Program required.

• Director of Pupil Personnel Services
• Building Principal/Assistant Principal

• Primary function is to work with student(s) with disabilities under the direction, supervision of certified personnel (primarily classroom teacher), to assist that (those) student(s) in reaching the goals indicated on their IEP.
• Assists students in attending to personal daily activities, routines, needs in order that they may participate in school (i.e., hygiene, toileting, feeding, etc.).
• Assist students with independent remedial and/or enrichment activities as determined by the professional service provider (primarily classroom teacher).
• Provides assistance under the direction of the professional service provider (primarily classroom teacher) to individual special education students or mixed groups of students with and without disabilities.
• Performs duties related to preparation and delivery of instruction as determined by the professional (primarily classroom teacher) to whom assigned.
• Participates in in‑service training programs as warranted.
• Maintains ethical behavior in relation to confidentiality concerning special education students as required by mandates of state and federal law.
• Assists the professional service providers (primarily classroom teacher) as requested in maintaining documentation (i.e., pupil files, IEP reviews, etc.).
• Performs other duties which assist the professional service provider (primarily classroom teacher), as may be assigned.
• Assumes all other responsibilities as necessarily assigned by the Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Principal, or the Superintendent of Schools.
• * May involve lifting.

Noise – Level 3 – Moderate level of intensity.

• Occasionally – Up to 1/3 of the time.
• Frequently – From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.
• Constantly – 2/3 of the time or more.
• Strength-Light-Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Standing – (O)
• Sitting – (F)
• Walking – (F)
• Lifting – (O)
• Stooping – (O) – Bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist.
• Reaching – (F) – Extending the hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Handling – (F) – Seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with hand or hands.
• Fingering – (F) – Picking, pinching, or otherwise working with fingers primarily.
• Talking – (F) – Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing – (F) – Perceiving the nature of sounds by the air.
• Near Acuity – (F) – Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.
• Far Acuity – (O) – Clarity of…