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 and special education teachers, and related service providers, the Instructional Assistant provides support during instructional periods and non-instructional activities. The role includes helping students participate in curriculum activities, implementing provided behavior support plans, maintaining student data, and supporting classroom teachers and students according to student and classroom needs.

The position requires flexibility across age groups and assignments, collaboration with a team, and the ability to support students with significant learning and social-emotional needs. The Instructional Assistant may work in classroom, school, vocational, or community-based settings and may assist students with toileting. The role can involve responding to behavioral crises and applying de-escalation techniques. A bachelor’s degree and public-school experience supporting students with disabilities are preferred.

Requirements

• Flexibility with respect to age groups and assignments.
• Ability to follow through with directions.
• Experience working with elementary-level students with significant learning and social/emotional needs.
• Experience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans and understanding the functions of behaviors.
• Experience with or ability to learn ABA methodology and techniques.
• Ability to take initiative to complete tasks.
• 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.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and meet the physical demands described for supervising and assisting students, including responding to behavioral crises and potentially assisting with toileting needs.
• Ability to visually supervise students and read printed matter with or without visual aids.
• Ability to communicate effectively with other staff members to exchange accurate information.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide students with needed support during instructional periods and non-instructional activities.
• 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.
• Use knowledge of student learning styles and child development to assist student learning.
• Recognize when teaching and learning strategies are not successful and seek the classroom teacher’s guidance to adapt 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