Special education instructional assistant job description
Updated March 14, 2024
11 min read
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Example special education instructional assistant requirements on a job description
Special education instructional assistant requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in special education instructional assistant job postings.
Sample special education instructional assistant requirements
- Associate's degree or equivalent in special education or related field
- Prior experience working with students with special needs
- Ability to assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Knowledge of assistive technology and adaptive equipment
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow all privacy laws and regulations
Sample required special education instructional assistant soft skills
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Patience and compassion when working with students with special needs
- Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other staff members
- Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Special education instructional assistant job description example 1
Andover Public Schools special education instructional assistant job description
The BRIDGE program is a specialized, intensive program based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis that serves students on the Autism Spectrum. The program consists of a special education teacher, supporting instructional assistants, and consultation from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Speech and Language Pathologist, and Occupational Therapist. The services provide to students in this program include a combination of discrete trial training, supported inclusion, small group activities, and incidental teaching. The goal of the program is for students to increase their independent skills in all areas, including academics, recreation, social, communication, self-care, motor, behavior regulation, as well as the generalization of these skills to new situations and environments.
Responsibilities
1. Monitor and assist students as needed in their daily routines across classroom activities and/or settings.
2. Assist in collecting data for behavioral or academic progress.
3. Initiate and follow through with behavioral interventions as designated and demonstrated by the classroom teacher.
4. Participate in staff meetings regarding classroom curricular expectations as well as student needs across all developmental areas.
5. Lead and/or facilitate teaching of individuals in 1:1, small group, or whole class instruction.
6. Assist individual students as necessary to follow routines, follow directions, follow an individual schedule, and/or complete tasks.
7. Monitor students at all times including on/off the bus, lunch, and times of transition.
8. Assist with students requiring self-help skills in the areas of safety, eating, and toileting. 9. Create materials as time allows and directed by teacher.
10. Prepare room daily for instruction in the morning or end of day as designated by teacher.
11. Remain professional and keep student information confidential at all times.
Qualifications
1. Minimum of two years of college or equivalent two years experience working with children 2. Preferred knowledge/experience of working with students on the autism spectrum
3. Preferred Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) knowledge and/or experience
Supplemental Information
Andover Public Schools (APS) seeks candidates who embody our ethos, which includes valuing the identities of all students, high expectations for all students, teaching excellence, collaboration, innovation, respect, and responsibility.
APS is committed to hiring and supporting a racially and ethnically diverse faculty and staff. Racially and ethnically diverse teachers produce a myriad of positive outcomes for all students, especially the most historically marginalized students.
Responsibilities
1. Monitor and assist students as needed in their daily routines across classroom activities and/or settings.
2. Assist in collecting data for behavioral or academic progress.
3. Initiate and follow through with behavioral interventions as designated and demonstrated by the classroom teacher.
4. Participate in staff meetings regarding classroom curricular expectations as well as student needs across all developmental areas.
5. Lead and/or facilitate teaching of individuals in 1:1, small group, or whole class instruction.
6. Assist individual students as necessary to follow routines, follow directions, follow an individual schedule, and/or complete tasks.
7. Monitor students at all times including on/off the bus, lunch, and times of transition.
8. Assist with students requiring self-help skills in the areas of safety, eating, and toileting. 9. Create materials as time allows and directed by teacher.
10. Prepare room daily for instruction in the morning or end of day as designated by teacher.
11. Remain professional and keep student information confidential at all times.
Qualifications
1. Minimum of two years of college or equivalent two years experience working with children 2. Preferred knowledge/experience of working with students on the autism spectrum
3. Preferred Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) knowledge and/or experience
Supplemental Information
Andover Public Schools (APS) seeks candidates who embody our ethos, which includes valuing the identities of all students, high expectations for all students, teaching excellence, collaboration, innovation, respect, and responsibility.
APS is committed to hiring and supporting a racially and ethnically diverse faculty and staff. Racially and ethnically diverse teachers produce a myriad of positive outcomes for all students, especially the most historically marginalized students.
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Special education instructional assistant job description example 2
Leander ISD special education instructional assistant job description
If hired, the State Board for Educator Certification will require all first time applicants for an initial credential to be fingerprinted as part of a national criminal background check. A cost of up to $49.00 will be charged for fingerprinting. PRIMARY PURPOSE:
To assist the teachers in the preparation and management of student activities to ensure that each student is provided an exemplary education by meeting individual needs. This position may be contingent upon funding in whole or in part through state or federal grants.
* Ability to follow directions from multiple teachers and follow an assigned schedule.
* Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, and state and local board policy.
* Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
* Work with individual students or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
* Assist with the administration and scoring of objective testing instruments.
* Assist in supervising students throughout the school day both inside and outside the building.
* Keep the teacher informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.
* Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom.
* Assist in inventory, care and maintenance of equipment.
* May be required to perform or assist in the diaper-changing routine daily and aid in toilet-training and other self-help skills.
* May be required to rotate among classrooms with students of various needs.
* Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports.
* Participate in in-service training programs, faculty meetings, and special events, as needed.
* Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
* Supervise classroom when teacher is attending scheduled meetings.
* Supervise students getting on and off the bus.
* Supervise students in cafeteria.
* Assist with social strategies implementation as needed for individual students.
* Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance to ensure a consistent focus on student learning
* Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
* None.
GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education/Certification/Experience:
* At least 48 semester hours (or equivalent trimester hours) of college work, or an Associate degree or higher, or a Highly Qualified Certificate issued by ACC, Region 13, or an equivalent institution. Level III Education Aide Certification preferred.
* TEA issued Educational Aide Certificate - obtainable after hire ($32 fee requirement).
* Some experience working with children preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
* Ability to communicate effectively and manage multiple priorities and projects and work well with children, students, staff and parents.
Mental/Physical/Environmental Demands
SPED Instructional Assistants are a campus resource and may work in a variety of roles at a campus to support all SPED programs. Depending on the student population and campus needs, these positions may float in and out of different SPED settings throughout the year or even during a day. Some of the possible roles a SPED IA may serve in are a SPED IA General Inclusion/Resource, Structured Learning Environment (SLE), Individual Community Academic Program (ICAP), Social Communication Supports and Services (SCSS), or SPED Behavioral (IBC, TASC, Goals, Aspire).
* May be exposed to outdoor weather conditions during portions of work day.
* Needs to move about inside the classroom or campus to monitor students as necessary.
* Maintain emotional control under stress.
* Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.
* Frequent moving of small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.
* Work with frequent interruptions.
* Potential exposure to bodily fluids and communicable diseases.
* Frequent heavy lifting of students.
* May be required to lift 50-80 pounds unassisted.
* May be required to lift 81-200 pounds assisted.
* May be required to pass a SAMA or other crisis prevention training class.
* May be required to assist in crisis intervention.
* May be required to restrain a student.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To assist the teachers in the preparation and management of student activities to ensure that each student is provided an exemplary education by meeting individual needs. This position may be contingent upon funding in whole or in part through state or federal grants.
* Ability to follow directions from multiple teachers and follow an assigned schedule.
* Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, and state and local board policy.
* Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
* Work with individual students or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
* Assist with the administration and scoring of objective testing instruments.
* Assist in supervising students throughout the school day both inside and outside the building.
* Keep the teacher informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.
* Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom.
* Assist in inventory, care and maintenance of equipment.
* May be required to perform or assist in the diaper-changing routine daily and aid in toilet-training and other self-help skills.
* May be required to rotate among classrooms with students of various needs.
* Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports.
* Participate in in-service training programs, faculty meetings, and special events, as needed.
* Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
* Supervise classroom when teacher is attending scheduled meetings.
* Supervise students getting on and off the bus.
* Supervise students in cafeteria.
* Assist with social strategies implementation as needed for individual students.
* Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance to ensure a consistent focus on student learning
* Perform other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
* None.
GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education/Certification/Experience:
* At least 48 semester hours (or equivalent trimester hours) of college work, or an Associate degree or higher, or a Highly Qualified Certificate issued by ACC, Region 13, or an equivalent institution. Level III Education Aide Certification preferred.
* TEA issued Educational Aide Certificate - obtainable after hire ($32 fee requirement).
* Some experience working with children preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
* Ability to communicate effectively and manage multiple priorities and projects and work well with children, students, staff and parents.
Mental/Physical/Environmental Demands
SPED Instructional Assistants are a campus resource and may work in a variety of roles at a campus to support all SPED programs. Depending on the student population and campus needs, these positions may float in and out of different SPED settings throughout the year or even during a day. Some of the possible roles a SPED IA may serve in are a SPED IA General Inclusion/Resource, Structured Learning Environment (SLE), Individual Community Academic Program (ICAP), Social Communication Supports and Services (SCSS), or SPED Behavioral (IBC, TASC, Goals, Aspire).
* May be exposed to outdoor weather conditions during portions of work day.
* Needs to move about inside the classroom or campus to monitor students as necessary.
* Maintain emotional control under stress.
* Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing.
* Frequent moving of small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment.
* Work with frequent interruptions.
* Potential exposure to bodily fluids and communicable diseases.
* Frequent heavy lifting of students.
* May be required to lift 50-80 pounds unassisted.
* May be required to lift 81-200 pounds assisted.
* May be required to pass a SAMA or other crisis prevention training class.
* May be required to assist in crisis intervention.
* May be required to restrain a student.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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Special education instructional assistant job description example 3
Paradise Valley Unified School District special education instructional assistant job description
Instructional Assistant-Special Education
Horizon High School (Multiple Positions)
Title: Instructional Assistant-Special Education
Start Date: As early as 10/17/2022
Schedule: 9 months, 6.75 hours/day; Monday - Friday
Benefits: ASRS, Paid Sick/Personal Time, Medical and optional Dental/Vision
Position Types (Available):
Instructional Assistant /Special Needs & Instructional Assistant/Personal Care
Grade 9: $12.93- $13.81 + $580 HTF Addendum*
Requirement: HS Diploma or GED
* Hard-to-Fill (HTF) Addenda have been approved by the Governing Board for the 2022-2023 school year.
Instructional Assistant- Special Education
Purpose Statement
The job of Instructional Assistant- Special Education is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom, a self-contained classroom and/or with an individual student; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.
This job reports to Teacher and/or Site Administrator
Essential Functions
Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
Administers tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
Assists medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students (e.g. lifting, feeding, toilet training, diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene and immediate healthcare needs.
Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
Escorts students (e.g. bathroom, office classroom, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and safe arrival to and/or from destination.
Implements under the supervision of assigned teachers, behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
Intervenes in potential conflicts utilizing appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches for the purpose of diffusing confrontations and minimizing disruptions.
Documents instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
Monitors student's daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. class schedule, work schedule, personal hygiene, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
Performs general clerical functions (e.g. copying, filing, data entry, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the instructional program.
Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, job skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; assisting in adapting to mainstream classroom/s and/or work place; and ensuring students success in school.
Remains with students at all times for the purpose of providing for the safety of students, removing students when necessary and de-escalating situations outside the classroom.
Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
Other Functions
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; stages of child development/ behavior.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working with constant interruptions; maintaining a positive rapport with students, employees and community.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 60% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Experience: Job related experience is desired
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Equivalency:
Required Testing
N/A
Certificates and Licenses
CPR Certificate
First Aid Certificate
Continuing Educ./Training
QBS Certificate
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses
Clearances
Criminal Background Clearance or Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
FLSA Status - Non Exempt
Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
Primary Location: Horizon HS
Shift Type: 6.75 hrs/day
Horizon High School (Multiple Positions)
Title: Instructional Assistant-Special Education
Start Date: As early as 10/17/2022
Schedule: 9 months, 6.75 hours/day; Monday - Friday
Benefits: ASRS, Paid Sick/Personal Time, Medical and optional Dental/Vision
Position Types (Available):
Instructional Assistant /Special Needs & Instructional Assistant/Personal Care
Grade 9: $12.93- $13.81 + $580 HTF Addendum*
Requirement: HS Diploma or GED
* Hard-to-Fill (HTF) Addenda have been approved by the Governing Board for the 2022-2023 school year.
Instructional Assistant- Special Education
Purpose Statement
The job of Instructional Assistant- Special Education is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom, a self-contained classroom and/or with an individual student; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.
This job reports to Teacher and/or Site Administrator
Essential Functions
Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
Administers tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.
Assists medically fragile, physically disabled, or developmentally delayed students (e.g. lifting, feeding, toilet training, diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene and immediate healthcare needs.
Attends meetings and in-service presentations (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
Communicates with supervising instructional staff, professional support personnel, and parents for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
Escorts students (e.g. bathroom, office classroom, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and safe arrival to and/or from destination.
Implements under the supervision of assigned teachers, behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
Intervenes in potential conflicts utilizing appropriate physical and/or therapeutic approaches for the purpose of diffusing confrontations and minimizing disruptions.
Documents instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening, job skills, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
Monitors student's daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. class schedule, work schedule, personal hygiene, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
Performs general clerical functions (e.g. copying, filing, data entry, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the instructional program.
Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, job skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; assisting in adapting to mainstream classroom/s and/or work place; and ensuring students success in school.
Remains with students at all times for the purpose of providing for the safety of students, removing students when necessary and de-escalating situations outside the classroom.
Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
Other Functions
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; stages of child development/ behavior.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working with constant interruptions; maintaining a positive rapport with students, employees and community.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 10% sitting, 60% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Experience: Job related experience is desired
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Equivalency:
Required Testing
N/A
Certificates and Licenses
CPR Certificate
First Aid Certificate
Continuing Educ./Training
QBS Certificate
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses
Clearances
Criminal Background Clearance or Valid IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
FLSA Status - Non Exempt
Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information NonDiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
Primary Location: Horizon HS
Shift Type: 6.75 hrs/day
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Updated March 14, 2024
Updated March 14, 2024