Special Services Instructional Assistant Candidate Pool (2026-2027)

About the role

The Special Services Teaching Assistant works with individual and/or small groups of students with disabilities under the supervision and direction of a certified staff member. Key responsibilities include implementing academic and functional instructional programs, carrying out related services, monitoring and supervising students, assisting with daily living activities, performing clerical tasks, and communicating with teachers and other district personnel.

Responsibilities

• Implements academic and functional instructional programs under the supervision of an assigned teacher and/or professional staff.
• Maintains a safe and positive learning environment by monitoring and supervising students in various settings.
• Assists with lifting, toileting, feeding, cleaning, transferring, and positioning of students as needed.
• Performs clerical tasks such as adapting classroom activities, making copies, filing, and using computer applications.
• Accurately documents and assists with record-keeping as directed by professional staff.
• Communicates with teachers and other district personnel regarding students' overall needs, progress, etc.
• Complies with and supports school, district, state, and federal regulations and policies.
• Attends required meetings, in-services, and webinars.

Requirements

Essential requirements include a high school diploma or GED, and the ability to develop and maintain an empathetic attitude toward students with disabilities, work cooperatively with others, and perform multiple tasks with a need to upgrade skills.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.
• Complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 hours of college credits) or possess an Associate’s Degree or higher.
• Pass the Paraprofessional Exam.

Skills

• Develop effective relationships with students, parents, and staff while maintaining confidentiality.
• Perform multiple tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills.
• Work cooperatively with others in a positive manner.
• Apply knowledge related to the stages of child development/behavior.

Knowledge

• Understand specialized instructional/management techniques.
• Obtain and maintain certification requirements for non-violent crisis intervention, CPR, and first aid.

Physical Demands

Duties performed typically in school settings to include: classrooms, gymnasium, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas. Frequent walking, standing, sitting, stooping, lifting of equipment, materials, and/or students up to 50 pounds is required. Lifting, movement, and transferring of students is required. Movement of students by wheelchairs and other physical contact with and/or possible exposure to bodily fluids may occur. Daily personal close contact with students to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Travel between schools, or between schools and district office, may be required for certain positions.

Terms of Employment

190 days per year, 7 hours per day, Monday-Friday, Non-Exempt. Salary S6a FMSD Salary Schedule, Salary commensurate with education and experience based on district formula. Performance will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the board's policy on evaluation of non-certificated personnel.