Long-Term Substitute Special Education Instructional Assistant

Frederick County Public Schools•Ballenger Creek, MD

9h•Onsite

About The Position

Special Education Instructional Assistants monitor, assist, and support students with special needs in implementing their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Support may include extensive physical and personal care. Duties are performed under the direction of a special education teacher and reporting directly to the Classroom Teacher/Administrator. The position is a long-term substitute role at Ballenger Creek Elementary School, beginning August 19, 2026. It is non-benefited, pays $17.13 per hour, and is classified as non-exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor and Standards Act. Daily work hours are 8:45 AM to 4:15 PM. The position also provides classroom and clerical support for the special education program and requires collaboration with students, teachers, administrators, and other staff. Physical duties may include frequent bending, lifting, walking, assisting with self-care, moving wheelchairs, operating lifting devices, and responding to physically aggressive behaviors as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
For Title One Schools, a minimum of 48 college credits, an associate degree, or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment Test is required.
Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Drive applications.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Regular and predictable attendance.
Ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 pounds.
Ability to assist with physically aggressive behaviors as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate of Arts degree.
College-level coursework related to child development.
Previous experience working with children in an educational setting.
Experience working with students with disabilities.
Bilingual Spanish skills.
Knowledge of American Sign Language.
Knowledge of child development and instructional strategies.
Familiarity with FCPS policies, goals, and programs.

Responsibilities

Support students under the direction of certificated FCPS staff.
Communicate and document student progress.
Set up and adapt materials, equipment, and assistive devices for student use as directed.
Facilitate student progress toward independence.
Monitor and assist students during educational and recreational activities.
Assist students with routine physical and personal care that is not required to be performed by a nurse.
Monitor and assist students in meeting IEP goals and objectives.
Carry out emergency action and health care plans for designated students.
Assist students with classroom accessibility.
Prioritize work assignments and complete an appropriate amount of work efficiently; seek additional assignments as time permits.
Demonstrate support for the organization and its goals and accept constructive criticism.
Report promptly for work, use time wisely, and maintain an acceptable attendance pattern.
Maintain a working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary, and mathematics.
Maintain confidentiality of student information.
Participate in professional development trainings.
Assist with administering, scoring, and recording assessments.
May participate in crisis intervention techniques.
Work effectively in a team environment.
Attend IEP team meetings and staff meetings as directed or scheduled.
Provide weekly classroom coverage for teachers attending IEP team meetings.
Provide general clerical support for the special education program, including typing, filing, making phone calls, scheduling, and classroom preparation.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Classroom Teacher/Administrator.