Instructional Assistant (SY25-26) Anticipated Opening

Watertown Public Schools•Watertown, MA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Instructional Assistants will assist teachers in providing an innovative, high quality education program designed to meet the needs of the children in the Watertown Public Schools. Paraprofessionals will work with school staff to create an educational environment in which quality and continuity are key factors in educating the students of the Watertown Public Schools.

Requirements

Education: High School Diploma or GED.
Minimum of two years experience working with young children.
Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment
Flexibility with respect to age groups, assignments
Ability to follow through with directions
Experience working with students at the high school level who have significant learning and social/emotional needs
Experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans and an understanding of functions of behaviors
Must have experience with or ability to learn ABA methodology and techniques
Ability to take initiative to complete tasks and to assist students with de-escalation techniques and executive functioning skills
Ability to work collaboratively as a part of a team
Experience with, or ability to learn to utilize, assistive technology and PECS functional communication systems in support of students

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
Certification as a teacher or license as a social worker.

Responsibilities

Under direction from the school administration, general education teacher, special education teacher, and related service providers, provide needed supports to students during instructional periods as well as non-instructional activities
Maintain student data as directed by teachers /related service providers
Follow and implement behavior support plans as provided by teachers/related service providers
Provide overall support to the classroom teacher and student, based on the needs of the student and the classroom
Incorporate knowledge of student learning styles and child development to assist student learning
Recognize when teaching and learning strategies are not successful and seek the guidance of the classroom teacher to adapt assistance accordingly
Provide verbal support, prompting, redirection, and modeling in helping the student(s) access the activities of the curriculum
React professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g. environmental changes, behavior/aggression, etc.)
Provide support lifting students and toileting, as needed
Perform other duties as required.