Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Behavior Support

Wake County Public School System • Knightdale, NC

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides support in coordinating instructional programs for students with disabilities and assists with implementing their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Monitors student programs, maintains confidentiality, follows applicable laws and procedures, and helps maintain an environment conducive to learning. The position is based at an elementary, middle, or high school site and operates in a classroom environment.

The assistant supports teachers with instruction, classroom organization, lesson materials, behavioral intervention plans, assistive technology, augmentative communication devices, and student transitions. The role may also involve meeting students’ personal care, health, mobility, feeding, adaptive equipment, and behavioral support needs. For the Special Assignment Instructional Assistant (SAIA) designation, the assistant is assigned one-on-one to a student with severe to profound learning disabilities and completes specialized training determined by the student’s IEP.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• For assignment to a Title I school, meet ESSA employment requirements and have either six documented semester hours of coursework in early childhood education or two years of work experience in an early childhood setting.
• Maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification through the required renewal process; WCPSS will provide CPI training if needed.
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Google Apps.
• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods and general classroom activities and routines.
• Ability to protect confidential personally identifiable information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
• Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to motivate students and consistently monitor and supervise their safety and well-being.
• Ability to recognize and support students with varied backgrounds, abilities, exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form using varied communication techniques and tools.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 25 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.

Nice To Haves

• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs, including physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disabilities or impairments requiring additional or specialized services or accommodations.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including becoming familiar with student IEPs, and help ensure an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthful environment.
• Assist teachers with strategies for implementing students’ behavioral intervention plans.
• Help plan and organize instruction, evaluate instructional activities, develop classroom procedures, and prepare lesson materials.
• Demonstrate professional and technical skills that support student achievement and the school program.
• Maintain a positive disposition, exercise good judgment, and remain calm when working with students.
• Provide in-class support while promoting students’ independence and self-determination.
• Assist with classroom implementation of low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices.
• Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other required documents while protecting confidentiality.
• Participate in district staff development and continued professional growth in the assigned area.
• Coordinate and facilitate student transitions between classes.
• Assist with special health care needs, which may include hygiene, restroom functions, diapering, mobility, lifting, positioning or transferring, seizure-related activities, feeding, adaptive equipment, behavioral assistance, and CPI skills.
• For the SAIA designation, provide one-on-one instructional assistance to a student with severe to profound learning disabilities and complete specialized training determined by the student’s IEP.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED