Special Education Instructional Assistant (Temporary)

Canby Sd 86 • Canby, OR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Instructional Assistant supports the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional development of students with disabilities across a variety of educational settings. Under the direction of licensed special education teachers and specialists, the assistant provides individualized and small-group instructional support, implements behavior intervention strategies, and assists with personal care as needed. This is a temporary position for the duration of the 2026–27 school year, at 0.8125 FTE (6 hours per day). The full-year contract is 183 days, prorated according to the start date.

The role serves students in settings including resource rooms, Supported Learning Centers, program classrooms, and general education environments. Assignments may include one-to-one student support. The assistant works with students with varied academic, behavioral, communication, mobility, medical, and personal care needs, while maintaining student dignity, safety, confidentiality, and professional relationships with students, staff, and families.

Work takes place in classrooms, sensory spaces, therapy rooms, playgrounds, hallways, and cafeterias. The environment may be busy, dynamic, loud, or involve exposure to body fluids and challenging or dysregulated behavior. Physical activities include standing, walking, sitting, twisting, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and pushing or pulling. The position is classified as Medium Work, with lifting up to 50 pounds maximum and frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Applicants agree to arrange and pay for a fingerprint-based criminal records check upon an offer of employment; the posting lists a $12.50 Fieldprint office charge and a $78 payroll deduction.

Requirements

• An associate's degree, at least 72 college/university quarter credits, or current certification as a highly qualified paraprofessional. The paraprofessional certification may substitute for the education requirement.
• Possess or be willing to obtain First Aid/CPR certification.
• Experience working with children or youth in educational, childcare, or behavioral settings.
• Thorough knowledge of fundamental academic concepts in math, literacy, and English language development, and ability to reinforce instruction across core subject areas.
• Thorough knowledge of school routines, behavioral expectations, and classroom procedures.
• General knowledge of special education practices, including IEPs, accommodations, and instructional modifications.
• General knowledge of basic child development principles and age-appropriate practices.
• General knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices, FERPA, mandated reporting laws, and school confidentiality requirements.
• Ability to build supportive, respectful relationships with students with disabilities, behavioral challenges, or communication differences.
• Skill in assisting with instructional activities, note-taking, data collection, and task scaffolding.
• Skill in using assistive technology, communication tools, or visual supports as needed.
• Skill in positive behavior support techniques and conflict resolution.
• Skill in clear, respectful communication with students, staff, and families.
• Ability to manage time, multitask, and follow routines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to listen to, read, identify, and understand written and spoken information, ideas, and speech.
• Ability to see details at close range and at a distance.
• Ability to recognize when something is wrong or likely to go wrong.
• Ability to remain calm and professional, follow directions, adapt to changing circumstances, and support students with varied academic and behavioral needs.
• Ability to perform the physical activities described, including lifting up to 50 pounds maximum and frequently lifting or carrying up to 25 pounds.
• Applicant must arrange and assume the cost of a fingerprint-based criminal records check upon offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting individuals with disabilities or behavioral or communication needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with academic tasks, IEP goals, and skill development in a variety of settings under the guidance of a licensed special education teacher or specialist.
• Implement directed behavior-support strategies and de-escalation techniques; model and reinforce appropriate behavior and coping strategies to promote student regulation and engagement.
• Help students access instructional materials, follow classroom routines, and participate in general education settings as appropriate.
• Support students with mobility, feeding, toileting, hygiene, or medical needs according to individualized plans and training, maintaining dignity and safety.
• Provide instructional, behavioral, and personal-care support in special education and general education settings, adapting to assignment needs, including one-to-one support when required.
• Maintain professional interactions with students, staff, and families and handle student information and records confidentially in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality to ensure continuity of student support and effective collaboration with the classroom teacher and school team.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising teacher and other school staff.
• Participate in relevant training or professional development to support student learning and well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree