Special Education Instructional Assistant

Job Posting: Special Education Instructional Assistant

Department:Student Services
Classification: Instructional Assistants
FTE: 0.875
Contract Days: 182 or 183 days
Supervised By: Principal or designee

General Description

The Special Education Instructional Assistant (SpEd IA) supports the academic behavioral social-emotional and functional development of students with disabilities across a variety of educational settings. Under the direction of licensed special education teachers and specialists the SpEd IA delivers individualized and small-group instructional support implements behavior intervention strategies and provides personal care assistance as needed.

Essential Functions

• Under the guidance of a licensed special education teacher or specialist assist students with academic tasks IEP goals and skill development in a variety of settings.
• Implement behavior support strategies and de-escalation techniques as directed; model and reinforce appropriate behavior and coping strategies to promote student regulation and engagement.
• Assist students in accessing instructional materials navigating classroom routines and participating in general education settings as appropriate.
• Support students with mobility feeding toileting hygiene or medical needs in accordance with individualized plans and training ensuring dignity and safety at all times.
• Deliver instructional behavioral and personal care support in a variety of special education environmentsincluding resource rooms Supported Learning Centers program classrooms (e.g. behavior or communication-focused) and general education settings adapting to the unique needs of each assignment including 1:1 student support when required.
• Maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions with students staff and families; handle student information and records with discretion and in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality to ensure continuity of support for students and effective collaboration with the classroom teacher and school team.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising teacher and other school staff; participate in relevant training or professional development to support student learning and well-being.

Job Qualifications

Education/Training

• Associates degree or a minimum of 72 college/university quarter credits (required).
• Certification as a highly qualified paraprofessional may be substituted for the education requirement.
• Possess or be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.

Work Experience

• Experience working with children or youth in educational childcare or behavioral settings is required.
• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities or behavioral/communication needs is preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of fundamental academic concepts in math literacy and English language development with the ability to support students understanding and reinforce instruction across core subject areas.
• Thorough knowledge of school routines behavioral expectations and classroom procedures.
• General knowledge of special education practices including IEPs accommodations and instructional modifications.
• General knowledge of basic child development principles and age-appropriate practices.
• General knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices that support student well-being and inclusion.
• General knowledge of FERPA mandated reporting laws and confidentiality requirements in a school setting.
• Skill in building supportive respectful relationships with students who may have disabilities behavioral challenges or communication differences.
• Skill in assisting with instructional activities note-taking data collection and task scaffolding.
• Skill in using assistive technology communication tools or visual supports as needed.
• Skill in using positive behavior support techniques and conflict resolution strategies.
• Skill in communicating clearly and respectfully with students staff and families.
• Skill in managing time effectively multitasking and following routines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to listen to read identify and understand written and spoken information ideas and speech.
• Ability to see details at close range and at a distance.
• Ability to recognize when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

Work occurs in various school environments including classrooms sensory spaces therapy rooms playgrounds hallways and cafeterias. Requires the ability to stay calm and maintain professionalism in a busy and dynamic school environment. Must be able to multitask follow directions adapt to changing circumstances and support students with a variety of academic and behavioral needs. Work involves being in close physical proximity to children of varying ages abilities and behaviors including students who may be dysregulated or require behavioral support. May be exposed to body fluids challenging behaviors or loud/noisy settings.

• Physical activities include standing walking sitting twisting bending kneeling crouching reaching and pushing or pulling.
• Medium Work: Lifting 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Fingerprinting Notice: Applicant agrees to assume cost and arrange for a fingerprint-based criminal records check upon offer of employment ($12.50 at Fieldprint office $75 payroll deduction).

Equity and Inclusion Statement

Canby School District is an equal opportunity educator and employer. It is the policy of the Canby School District and its Board of Education that there shall be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of race color sex gender identity sexual orientation marital status religion national origin age disability or any other status protected by law in any educational programs activities or employment.

For more information please visit our Prospective Employee Information page or view the full job description.