Instructional Assistant - Academy

Instructional Assistant

Choices Academy is an Alternative Learning Center serving middle and high school students in Wicomico County Public Schools. We are seeking dedicated and compassionate Instructional Assistants to support students in achieving academic, behavioral, and personal success. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with teachers and staff to provide instructional support, encourage positive student engagement, and help create a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment for students with diverse needs.

* Note for previous applicants:
If you were not hired for a benefitted position for the previous school year and are still interested in employment for the current school year you will need to reapply.* Salary (Non negotiable) Commensurate with education, highly qualified status (as determined by Human Resources), and verified full time experience. Includes employee benefits package.

Paygrade 5 $ 21,556 - $29,798 High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Paygrade 6 $ 22,651 - $31,276 48 college credits or qualifying scores on the Parapro Assessment Paygrade 7 $ 23,760 - $32,869 Bachelor's degree or higher

With Employee Benefits

Hours: 10 months, 35 hours per week, 182 days (1274 annual hours) Contract Unit:
This position is part of the non-supervisory support services bargaining unit. FLSA:
Non-exempt

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, respectful working relationships with administrators, teachers, students, families, and school associates.
• Proficient in using classroom and instructional equipment to support teaching and learning activities.
• Ability to operate audiovisual tools, standard office machines, and word/data processing programs with accuracy and efficiency.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English, with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally when needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with school-based personnel and contribute to a positive, supportive learning environment.
• Understanding and experience with the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address students' behavioral needs through structured, tiered interventions.
• Familiarity with a range of de-escalation techniques and behavior management strategies appropriate for young learners.
• Ability to accurately collect and document behavior-related data aligned to individual student goals and intervention plans

Responsibilities:

• Assist teachers and professional staff in the delivery of instructional programs and classroom activities.
• Work directly with students in a variety of instructional settings, including whole group, small group, and one-on-one formats, to reinforce learning objectives.
• Support students during transitions throughout the instructional day to maintain consistency and structure.
• Implement behavior plans developed for individual students to address academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs.
• Assist with monitoring and collecting data on student performance, behavior, and engagement to inform instruction and intervention planning.
• Apply appropriate de-escalation strategies and techniques to help students manage behaviors and build positive coping skills.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned by school administration.