0.4 Instructional Assistant Special Education - Mitchell Elementary School (SY25-26)

Needham Public Schools•Needham, MA

2d•$24 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled 0.4 (Two Days Per Week) Special Education Instructional Assistant to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate . This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here . Job Description: Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Special Education Coordinator/Director, the Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistant provides specialized instruction and support for students with complex learning profiles and/or behavioral challenges enrolled in the Intensive Learning Center/Post Graduate Program, utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis. Depending on grade level and the individual needs of students, Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistants may be responsible for the following:

Requirements

Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges
Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students, including performing physical restraint when necessary
Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Bachelor’s degree in related field or at least 2 years experience in a similar role (i.e. ABA, job coaching, etc)
Demonstrate aptitude for work to be performed
Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities
Basic knowledge of child growth and development

Responsibilities

Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant special needs utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis which may take place in an inclusion setting
Implement student specific behavior intervention plans including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de-escalation strategies, and/or providing motor breaks
Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges following district protocols
Support students’ integration within a classroom setting through academic, social, and behavioral interventions
Implement augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction and support for students who are non-speaking or have limited communication skills
Provide life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate
Provide pre-vocational training and job coaching for students in school and the larger community as appropriate
Assist with program specific data collection to monitor student progress and develop necessary support plans (e.g. academics, social skills, and behavior plans)
Support students to navigate the school day including non-instructional time
Prepare instructional materials for students based on their individual learning needs and goals
Assist with home/school communications (e.g. daily log) as assigned
Provide regular feedback to the special education team members on student progress
Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal or Assistant Principal