Special Education Instructional Assistant - SOAR at William B. Wade Elementary School

Charles County Public Schools • Waldorf, MD

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Instructional Assistant works in the SOAR program (Structured teaching, Opportunities for inclusion, Active learning, and Rigor), a regionalized program for students with autism who need specialized instruction to access the curriculum and develop skills essential to independence. SOAR promotes self-advocacy, flexibility, and generalization, serving students from kindergarten through the end of high school. The program uses evidence-based practices to support academic, communication, social, adaptive, and behavioral development.

The assistant supports the teacher with instructional activities and classroom safety and order, and provides instructional reinforcement to individuals or small groups after teacher-led instruction. The role is a 10-month, non-exempt position on the AFSCME UA3 salary scale, Grade 3–7. It may require toileting support depending on the assigned program and substitute coverage as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma required.
• Experience working with children required.
• Ability to work in an instructional support role with elementary-, middle-, or high-school-aged children.
• Excellent human relations skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Knowledge of child developmental stages.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan developmentally appropriate activities as directed by the teacher.
• Must be at least 18 years old to work in elementary schools.
• Must be at least 18 years old and have been out of high school for at least two years to work in middle or high schools.

Nice To Haves

• At least 48 college credits or passing scores on the ParaProfessional assessment.

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in planning instructional activities and maintaining a safe, orderly environment.
• Work with individuals or small groups to reinforce instruction after the teacher delivers it.
• Assist the teacher in preparing lessons.
• Maintain regular, on-time attendance.
• Provide substitute coverage as needed.
• Perform related duties and other duties as assigned by the principal.
• Provide toileting assistance if required by the assigned area or program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED