Instructional Support Specialist (0.8 FTE) - Bella Vista Elementary (2026-27)

Oakland Unified School District•Oakland, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is 0.8 FTE and is part of the instructional team, working under the direction of an assigned supervisor. The role involves performing a variety of specialized educational supports, including implementing behavioral interventions, increasing access to the common core curriculum, and meeting the physical needs of students with disabilities as needed. Key distinctions of this role include specialization in instructional supports that can help students move to less restrictive environments, enhanced training in providing behavioral supports, and offering a pathway to a certificated position for interested employees. While physical and health support services may be provided on an as-needed basis, it is not anticipated to be a daily task for all students supported by the Instructional Support Specialist. This position may also be used to identify potential teacher and other educational professional candidates. The District will provide direct support to Instructional Support Specialists seeking to become teachers by assisting them in completing educational and credentialing requirements, in collaboration with institutions of higher learning, educational development corporations, the business community, teacher preparation programs, human resources, and special education departments.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or one of the related behavioral sciences. (For employees employed as OUSD Intervention Specialists as of April 22, 2015, their education and OUSD work experience satisfies the degree prerequisite.)
40 hours of training in Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) required.
Currently have, or willing to obtain certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI).
At least one year of experience working in an educational setting with students who present behavioral challenges and may be eligible for special education under the following categories: Emotional Disturbance, Autism and/or Intellectual Disability required.
Experience implementing intensive behavioral intervention programs required.
Possess and maintain a valid First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate.
Valid California Driver’s License, if applicable.
Basic principles and practices of behavior techniques.
Techniques used in guiding and motivating students.
Special needs, issues, and requirements of special education students.
Common Core Standards, Content Standards, Curriculum, Response to Intervention, Full Service Community Schools.
Positive reinforcement systems and behavioral strategies to maintain safe learning environments.
The 13 disability categories outlined in California Education Code and how they affect students’ ability to access education.
Current District curriculum and school instructional programs in assigned area.
Utilization of various forms of assessment to guide and design instruction.
Basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics.
Methods, techniques, and procedures for lifting and moving children incapable of providing assistance.
The special needs of students who have behavioral, and/or learning disabilities.
Child guidance principles and practices.
Subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, and reading.
Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
Instructional methods and techniques.
Effective pedagogy for ethnic populations, English, and Standard English Learners.
Applicable federal, state, and District codes, regulations, policies, and procedures governing work scope.
Planning, organization, and coordination needed for assigned program.
Diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of District students.
Basic record-keeping techniques.
Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
Problems and concerns of disabled and/or at-risk students.
Safe contact with bodily fluids, blood-borne pathogens, and communicable diseases.
Effective student management techniques.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Technology and computer software applications relative to instruction, administration, and education.
Accepted record keeping and reporting methods and strategies.
Operation of office, instructional, and audio-visual equipment.
Computer software, hardware, and related technology.
Apply identified behavior techniques in school setting.
Learn and apply techniques for physically restraining and controlling students safely in specific situations.
Effectively participate in and implement training in Emergency Behavior Intervention.
Assist teachers and staff in meeting the educational goals of students with identified behavior needs.
Carry out duties safely and calmly in unexpected or emergency situations.
Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.
Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.
Reinforce instruction to students with disabilities, communication, and behavioral problems.
Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards children with special needs.
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and accurately.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Learn the procedures, functions, and limitations of assigned duties.
Assist disabled students in areas related to activities of daily function, such as feeding, toileting, exercises, and positioning.
Remain calm and exercise judgment in dealing with emergencies and special health needs.
Gather data and prepare reports, as directed.
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with students, school personnel, parents, co-workers, and the public.
Work independently with appropriate direction and follow established policies and practices.
Work confidentially and with discretion.
Communicate effectively in the English language, both orally and in writing.
Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Supervise and discipline students according to approved policies and procedures.
Learn and use technology and computer software applications as appropriate to the work environment.
Use tact, patience, and courtesy when dealing with people, and discretion in handling of confidential records.
Understand and be sensitive to those of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Use initiative and judgment in discussing problems involving practices and policies with the public and District staff.
Read, understand, interpret, and follow laws, rules, regulations, processes, policies, and methods of the office, the District, and the State of California in accordance with assigned duties.
Qualify for a Standard First Aid and CPR certificate.
Apply integrity and trust in all situations.
Operate personal computer, related software, and other office equipment.

Nice To Haves

For employees who are employed as OUSD Intervention Specialists as of April 22, 2015, their education and OUSD work experience satisfies the degree prerequisite for the position.

Responsibilities

Under the guidance of a certificated teacher, provide core curriculum instruction and behavior intervention to students with disabilities (Pre-K through young adult) in an assigned classroom or program.
Support students with meeting goals and objectives, including students with IEPs.
Participate in Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meetings and read IEP goals to support instruction to maximize student progress when trained by appropriate staff.
Support the implementation of behavior intervention plans for all special education students.
Provide positive reinforcement supports to other special education students experiencing behavior difficulties.
Support with non-special education students experiencing behavior problems if it does not interfere with special education responsibilities.
Follow the schedule of activities for implementing student instruction and behavior plans.
Participate in staff development programs to reinforce interventions for students needing instructional or behavioral support.
Help prepare for periodic inspections of classroom environments to assure established standards of plan implementation are maintained.
Confer with Behavior Specialist, school administrators, teachers, and site staff concerning individual student progress toward behavior plan goals.
Help manage behavior of students; intervene in crisis/emergency situations involving aggressive or uncontrolled behavior of identified students.
Restrain disruptive or dangerous students, when certified, in situations only when the student is a danger to him/herself and/or others.
Work cooperatively with classroom teachers, interpreting the abilities and disabilities of students, assisting in classroom intervention strategies, modifying general education curriculum as necessary, and assisting students with class assignments.
Assure compliance with governmental regulations, codes, and reporting requirements concerning Special Education students affected by services.
Notify immediately appropriate personnel and agencies, and follow established procedures when there is reasonable suspicion of substance abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, or potential suicide.
Provide data to teachers and other staff that will inform student progress reports provided to parents.
Support teachers and administrators in the coordination and monitoring of student behavior contracts; verify completion of appropriate student interventions and behavior consequences.
Prepare and maintain a variety of detailed records, files, and data logs.
Monitor response to behavior intervention and instruction for students who receive special education services.
Perform a variety of clerical duties such as duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers, and recording grades.
Assist in keeping attendance.
Prepare and maintain files and reports regarding student discipline, interventions, and consequences as assigned.
Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, operating audio-visual equipment, and distributing and collecting papers, supplies, and materials.
Confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.
Administer, monitor, and score a variety of tests and assignments to comply with established test criteria and provide a reliable testing environment; rephrase materials and explain instructions and words.
Maintain confidentiality of student records and information both written and verbal.
Communicate expectations, provide guidance, and show an active interest in student progress.
Facilitate self-reliance, problem-solving, critical-thinking, creativity, and performance skills.
Actively supervise in non-academic settings, including monitoring lunchroom activities and mealtime procedures, including feeding and cleaning as needed.
Strive to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
Maintain basic knowledge of computers including Microsoft Office.
Attend a variety of meetings, workshops, and professional development.
Adhere to site and department codes of conduct; promote a professional image of the school district.
Respond to emergency situations to ensure immediate resolution and appropriate documentation of safety concerns by appropriate personnel.
May assist with the transportation of students.
Position and reposition students requiring the use of medical equipment, wheelchairs, braces, and other orthopedic equipment.
Make minor adjustments on lifting and other equipment as necessary.
Assure the safe use and operation of wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, and other equipment as needed or directed.
May assist students with washing, toileting (may include lifting on and off toilet), diapering, dressing and undressing, grooming, and other activities necessary for maintaining personal hygiene and neatness as needed or directed.
Provide basic first aid and specialized health care as needed or directed.
May volunteer, on an annual basis, to be trained to administer Diastat and will administer Diastat as needed.
May also volunteer to perform medical procedures when trained and supervised by appropriate staff.
Perform related duties as assigned.