Intellectual Disabilities - Severe Teacher Assistant

Position

INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES - SEVERE TEACHER ASSISTANT – 188 DAY (Full Time) for the 2026‑27 school year, with an anticipated start date of August 17, 2026. The position requires in‑person attendance at Freedom High School in Woodbridge, VA.

Hourly range: $21.12‑$33.82 (annual: $27,793‑$44,503). 188 days per school year, 7.0 hours/day.

This position is paraprofessional work that requires the teacher assistant to assist the classroom teacher in performing a variety of tasks after training, i.e., emergency plans, health‑related plans/services, and carrying out instructional procedures. This position performs work under the direct supervision of the teacher, building administrator, and appropriate Special Education Department administrator.

The employee must interact with students, parents, and staff in a positive manner.

• Develops understanding of each student’s specific disability; maintains proper training and certification if required; understands individual learning style and need for accommodations which may be relevant to the implementation of the instructional program, behavioral plan, health‑related plans, or emergency plans
• Maintains confidentiality of student information
• Delivers non‑emergency health‑related services as specified in student’s Health Treatment Plan
• Delivers emergency treatment procedures on students as needed
• Utilizes universal precautions whenever student body fluids are present
• Prepares instructional materials
• Assists with maintenance of attendance and cumulative records
• Works with individual students or small groups at the direction of the teacher
• Assists with classroom management plan
• Acts as a role model for courtesy and proper school behavior
• Checks student work, including objective test materials
• Works cooperatively with the substitute teacher in providing instruction and assistance to students
• Assists with housekeeping chores and bulletin boards
• Assists in or supervises students during any school sponsored activity occurring during the school day regardless of the location of the activity
• Assists in the safe and orderly mobilization of all students, including those physically disabled, to and from all school environments
• Assists with clerical tasks, maintains inventory of materials assigned to the program and the classroom, and the procurement and use of media equipment
• Actively assists students in dressing, toileting, braces, position, and with matters relating to personal hygiene, health‑related services and emergency plans, as needed; in the event of toilet accidents, may be required to change and launder soiled clothing
• Assists students during seizures or other medical incidents and afterwards, as necessary, following training
• Assists in feeding students who are unable to feed themselves
• Responsible for the supervision of students at all times, to include, but not limited to, providing coverage when the teacher is participating in planning, meetings, lunch, etc.
• Supports efforts of the teacher to provide a consistent approach in interacting with disabled students
• Accompanies students to mainstreamed class assisting with tasks, which their disability would otherwise make difficult or impossible, and/or remains with non‑mainstream students, as directed.

• Work collaboratively with all stakeholders in Launching Thriving Futures.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively.
• Relate to and interact with a non‑traditional and diverse student and employee population.
• Report to work on a regular and punctual basis as scheduled.
• Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the total school program.
• Have knowledge of and be able to use relevant technology.
• Participate in the annual professional growth planning process.
• Recognize that they are in a position of public trust and are held to a high standard of personal and professional conduct.

• Must be Highly Qualified: either an associate’s degree or higher from a nationally or regionally accredited institution, or at least 48 college credits, or a Para Pro assessment score of 455 or higher.
• High School or GED (minimum); preferred associate’s degree.
• Minimum of 1 year of teacher‑assistant or similar paid/volunteer work; preferred 3‑10 years.
• Ability to work with students at various ability levels.
• Skillful communication with students, teachers, parents, and other school personnel.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions for instructional, behavioral, emergency, and health‑related plans and services.

Indoor classroom or office setting. The role is performed in standard indoor conditions with occasional noise, computer exposure, and crowded environments. Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.