Instructional Assistant - Vocational Program Anticipated

Instructional Assistant
- Vocational Program Anticipated Openings

Central Massachusetts Collaborative
- Worcester, Massachusetts (Open in Google Maps)

• Job : 5694965
• Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled
• Posted: May 06, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)
• Starting Date: Immediately

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:
The Instructional Assistant is an energetic and flexible employee who is eager to work in our therapeutic day school with a high needs population. This position is accountable for providing assistance to the classroom teacher and/or other certified personnel, to support the instruction of all students with moderate to intensive special needs and to facilitate educational access for students who may have significant cognitive, social/emotional, behavioral or daily living skills challenges.

This position contributes to a warm and open atmosphere so that all students will have the opportunity to grow and develop to their fullest potential.

• Provide behavioral and learning support, instruction, and monitoring of students with autism and/or social emotional / behavioral needs.
• Assist the classroom teacher by reviewing, correcting and reinforcing lessons with individual and small groups of students in all content areas and other activities associated with the curriculum.
• Assist in preparation and inventory of instructional materials and the setting‑up, operating and maintenance of various learning aids, and equipment.
• Assist with and/or monitor transitions and activities of daily living.
• Assist in the supervision of breakfast and/or lunch periods and assemblies, and cleaning up of work areas.
• Assist the classroom teacher in clerical work which may include, but not limited to, recording daily attendance, detail history cards, cataloging and filing instructional materials.
• Participate and contribute to weekly, monthly and long‑range planning with the classroom teacher for instructional activities such as observing special days and events, field trips and visits and school‑wide activities such as health testing, etc.
• Contribute to enrichment activities by sharing special talents and abilities which may include the areas of art, music, cooking, etc., consistent with policies of the CMC.
• Assist the classroom teacher during the work day in fostering greater understanding for assigned students.
• Assist the classroom teacher in the supervision of children at work or play to provide the teacher an opportunity to work with small groups or individuals.
• Serve as the substitute teacher or be the chief source of information and assist any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Perform duty work (lunch, recess, line, and bus) as assigned by the program director.
• Complete CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention training upon hire and maintain CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention certification.
• Address and handle students with behavioral issues following directions from the teacher; perform de‑escalation strategies and physical supports (as a last resort), with non‑violent physical restraint strategies.
• Perform duties associated within specialty areas of assignment. This may include those instructional assistants who are assigned to special projects, including grant programs that require specialized training and duties.
• Lift and carry objects and/or classroom equipment, up to 50 pounds.
• Able to reach, grasp and handle objects using upper extremities.
• Demonstrate sound judgments and decisions aligned with school regulations and philosophy and promote a positive school climate that fosters high student expectations and employs appropriate strategies that address multiple learning styles for all students.
• Demonstrate good communication skills and the ability to deal with people in a professional manner in all situations.
• Transport students to field trips and community‑based activities, providing active supervision, behavioral support, and instructional assistance to ensure student safety and access to learning opportunities.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

Position Type: Full‑time

Salary: $24 to $29 Per Hour

Job Categories:

• Instructional Support >
  Individual Aide
• Instructional Support >
  Paraprofessional / IA
• Special Education >
  Alternative Learning Environment
• Special Education >
  Autism
• Special Education >
  Behavior Specialist / EBD
• Special Education >
  Emotionally Disabled
• Special Education >
  Mild/Moderate Disabilities
• Special Education >
  Special Education Assistant

• Experience working with children with special needs.
• High School diploma or the equivalent.
• Must have a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.