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

Charles County Public Schools • Waldorf, MD

8d • Onsite

About The Position

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

The Special Education Instructional Assistant supports teachers and students in elementary, middle, or high school settings. The position is a 10-month, non-exempt role. Duties include helping plan instructional activities, preparing lessons, reinforcing instruction with individuals or small groups, and maintaining a safe and orderly environment. Substitute coverage may be required. Toileting assistance may be required depending on the assigned area or program.

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 children’s 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.
• To work in middle or high schools, must be at least 18 years old and out of high school for at least two years.
• Ability to visit other locations and stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift, carry, or move weights of 10–50 pounds.
• Good hand-eye coordination and arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including the ability to grasp; visual acuity to use a keyboard.
• Frequently required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Assist the teacher in planning instructional activities and maintaining a safe and orderly environment.
• Work with individuals or small groups to provide instructional reinforcement after the teacher delivers instruction.
• Assist the teacher in preparing for 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 when 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