Instructional Assistant; Special Education PC 1700

Manassas City Public Schools•Manassas, VA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

This position will be available for the 2026-2027 School Year. The Special Education Instructional Assistant will assist students who require modifications and accommodations to gain access to a free and appropriate public education as directed by the classroom instructor. This role involves supporting students both inside and outside the classroom, providing instruction under teacher supervision, managing student behavior, and assisting with personal care duties as necessary. The assistant will also be responsible for maintaining required trainings and certifications, executing specialized diet duties, and assisting with medical action plans and emergency treatments. Collaboration with teachers, substitute teachers, and other staff is essential, as is the ability to move with assigned students as they progress through the school system.

Requirements

Knowledge of working with all students – especially those with special needs.
Broad knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in classroom teaching and management.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to follow directions given by classroom teacher.
Exercises patience with students and staff.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to monitor for student safety.
Ability to interact with students, staff, and parents.
Ability to work independently with students towards IEP goals under the guidance of the teacher.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to lift and assist students as needed.
Serve as role model.
Must possess a minimum of 60 college credit hours; or an Associate’s Degree or higher; or have successfully passed the Para Pro Assessment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an educational setting and/or prior teaching/instructional experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists with the supervision of the student(s) both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom.
Provides care and supervision of the student(s) at all times.
Escorts the student(s) when required.
Locates and prepares materials for daily class work.
Supports the teacher with classroom clerical tasks.
Provides instruction to the student(s) under the supervision and direction of the classroom teacher.
Observes and manages student(s) behavior, collaborates with the teacher on behavior plans and their implementation.
Guides student(s) integrated into general education classes and assists general education teachers.
Performs bus duty by assisting student(s) on and off the bus.
Carries out personal care duties for the student(s) as necessary.
Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR, Safety Care, and any specific training related to the specific needs of the student(s).
Executes duties related to specialized diets (grinding, pureeing, feeding).
Lifts, positions, and places student(s) in specialized adaptive equipment as trained by the physical therapist or occupational therapist.
Uses the tenants of “Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports” (PBIS) to ensure students are safe, respectful, and responsible.
Educates self and implements any medical action plans established for student safety with appropriate training from the school nurse.
Maintains trainings and certifications such as CPR and Safety Care, and any additional training related to the specific needs of a student.
Delivers emergency treatments as needed.
Utilizes universal precautions when body fluids are present.
Works cooperatively with substitute teachers in providing instruction and assistance with students.
Assists or supervises school-sponsored activities during the school day.
Launders soiled clothing when necessary.
Aids student during seizures or other medical incidents.
Moves with the assigned student from building to building, as the student matriculates through the school system.
Performs other duties as assigned.