Intensive Program - Instructional Assistant - Remainder of the school year Newman Elementary SY26-27

Needham Public Schools•Needham, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Needham Public Schools seeks an energetic and skilled Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistant to support students with complex learning profiles and/or behavioral challenges in the Intensive Learning Center/Post Graduate Program. Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Special Education Coordinator/Director, the assistant provides specialized instruction and support using applied behavior analysis strategies. Duties are normally performed in a school or classroom environment and may occasionally take place on field trips. The noise level may range from moderate to high. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The role is for the remainder of the school year; the posting references SY26-27.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least two years of experience in a similar role, such as ABA or job coaching.
Demonstrated aptitude for the work to be performed.
Passion for working with children or students with complex disabilities.
Basic knowledge of child growth and development.
Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions.
Knowledge of academic and social skills appropriate to students’ developmental ages.
Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges.
Ability to make in-the-moment decisions to ensure student safety, including performing physical restraint when necessary.
Ability to establish supportive and compassionate relationships with students with special needs.
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members.
Ability to maintain confidential information about students and families.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Successful completion of required state and district background checks, including CORI/SORI and fingerprinting, before employment.

Responsibilities

Provide one-to-one or small-group specialized instruction for students with significant special needs, including in inclusion settings, using applied behavior analysis strategies.
Implement student-specific behavior intervention plans, including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cueing, de-escalation strategies, and motor breaks.
Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges according to district protocols.
Support students’ integration into classroom settings 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-skills instruction, including toileting, self-care, and travel training, as appropriate.
Provide pre-vocational training and job coaching at school and in the larger community, as appropriate.
Collect program-specific data to monitor student progress and develop support plans, including academic, social-skills, and behavior plans.
Support students in navigating the school day, including non-instructional time.
Prepare instructional materials based on students’ individual learning needs and goals.
Assist with home-school communication, such as daily logs, as assigned.
Provide regular feedback to special education team members on student progress.
Perform additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal, or Assistant Principal.