Instructional Assistant (Connections Program) (SY 26-27)

Watertown Public Schools • Watertown, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Watertown Public Schools seeks an Instructional Assistant for the Connections Program to support students with disabilities in accessing their education. Under the direction of school administration, general education and special education teachers, and related service providers, the Instructional Assistant provides support during instructional periods and non-instructional activities. The role also supports the classroom teacher and students according to student and classroom needs, and may involve working across age groups and assignments.

Requirements

• Flexibility with respect to age groups and assignments.
• Ability to follow through with directions.
• Experience working with elementary-level students who have significant learning and social/emotional needs.
• Experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans and understanding the functions of behavior.
• Experience with or ability to learn ABA methodology and techniques.
• Ability to take initiative to complete tasks and assist students with de-escalation techniques and executive functioning skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Experience with or ability to learn to use assistive technology and PECS functional communication systems in support of students.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities in a public school setting preferred.
• Ability to meet the physical demands described, including standing for extended periods and performing movements or physical skills needed to respond to behavioral crises and assist students with toileting needs.
• Ability to visually supervise students, read printed matter with or without visual aids, distinguish color, and communicate effectively with staff.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities in a public school setting.

Responsibilities

• Provide needed student support during instructional periods and non-instructional activities under the direction of school administration, teachers, and related service providers.
• Maintain student data as directed by teachers and related service providers.
• Follow and implement behavior support plans provided by teachers and related service providers.
• Provide overall support to the classroom teacher and student based on student and classroom needs.
• Apply knowledge of student learning styles and child development to assist student learning.
• Recognize when teaching and learning strategies are not successful and consult the classroom teacher about adapting assistance.
• Provide verbal support, prompting, redirection, and modeling to help students access curriculum activities.
• Assist students with de-escalation techniques and executive functioning skills.
• Perform other duties as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed