SPED Instructional Assistant

Instructional Assistant

The purpose of the Instructional Assistant is to assist a classroom or special education teacher by performing a wide variety of instructional and clerical duties along with student supervision. The Instructional Assistant supports students with social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs in educational settings under the supervision of licensed staff. The position serves students in grades K-5 and assists in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior support plans, and instructional interventions.

Responsibilities include providing direct student support, collecting and maintaining student data, implementing behavior strategies, promoting a safe learning environment, and collaborating with educational teams to support student success.

Required:

• High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred:

• 72 quarter hours of accredited college or equivalent education or successfully passed Work Keys Test in the areas of Math, Reading, and Business Writing.
• Safety-Care, CPI, or comparable behavioral intervention training.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.
• Experience implementing positive behavior support strategies and working with students with behavioral or emotional needs.

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance
• Valid Driver's License and evidence of insurability
• Successfully pass district background screening

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through professional practice and interactions.
• Knowledge of instructional methods, behavior support practices, student management techniques, and child development.
• Ability to effectively support, supervise, and instruct students individually and in small groups.
• Ability to implement behavior intervention plans, de-escalation techniques, and approved crisis-response procedures.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and respond appropriately in stressful situations.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, staff, and community members.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable district, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Skill in utilizing educational technology, office software, and standard office procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, organize materials, and complete clerical tasks with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to apply district policies, procedures, and practices fairly and consistently.
• Ability to participate in ongoing professional development and implement learned practices.
• Ability to successfully complete required physical restraint and safety training and demonstrate approved techniques when necessary.

Student Instruction and Behavior Support:

• Assist licensed staff in implementing IEPs, behavior support plans, and related instructional or behavioral interventions.
• Provide individual and small-group support to reinforce academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and communication goals.
• Assist students in developing appropriate social skills, self-regulation strategies, and positive behavioral habits.
• Reinforce teacher-directed instruction through guided practice, independent work support, and targeted interventions.
• Implement approved behavior support strategies, de-escalation techniques, crisis prevention practices, and alternative communication systems, including assistive technology when appropriate.

Data Collection and Progress Monitoring:

• Collect, maintain, and report academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data to support progress monitoring, functional behavior assessments, and instructional decision-making.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to student performance and behavioral progress.
• Communicate regularly with teachers and other instructional team members regarding student progress and support needs.
• Participate in student staffing meetings and collaborative planning efforts to identify appropriate interventions and supports.

Classroom and Program Support:

• Prepare, organize, and maintain instructional materials, assessments, technology, and classroom resources.
• Administer or supervise assessments, testing, make-up work, and other educational activities as directed.
• Perform clerical and organizational duties in support of classroom and program operations, including filing, data entry, record maintenance, and preparation of materials.

Student Supervision and Safety:

• Supervise students in instructional and non-instructional settings, including classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias, bus loading areas, and other school environments.
• Promote a safe, positive, and orderly learning environment by consistently implementing school and classroom expectations.
• Utilize approved safety procedures and crisis-response techniques to…