Instructional Assistant, Special Education Services 2026-2027

Job Title: Instructional Assistant, Special Education Services

Job Goal: To assist teachers and other SCS instructional staff with meeting student needs and achieving learning objectives by performing supportive instructional and clerical duties as assigned.

Reports To: Principal or Teacher as assigned

Supervises: None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides support services to teachers and other SCS instructional staff in the Special Education Services department in classrooms, resource centers, and other school-related areas as assigned to assist with a variety of instructional and other related duties.

• Participates in the development and planning of effective lesson plans, instructional activities, and special school-related events and projects under the direction of the assigned instructional staff member.

• Works directly with students on an individual or group basis as requested and directed by the assigned instructional staff member in order to supplement regular instruction, assist with the use of instructional resources and technology, develop effective learning and study skills and reinforce lesson plans.

• Assists with the general supervision of students both inside and outside the classroom to enforce appropriate rules and procedures in accordance with district policies, maintain clear standards of student behavior, and achieve an orderly, functional environment conducive to learning.

• Assists in the planning and scheduling of class field trips and other approved educational activities as necessary to support curriculum and guides students in opportunities to best utilize and apply learning experiences.

• Assists students with various mobility needs such as lifting and positioning students, loading and unloading on the bus, transporting students in and around the school and on field trips.

• Notifies appropriate personnel regarding evidence of child abuse/neglect (as required by state law), as well as severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide, or students appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.

• May monitor and record data on a student's progress or behavior in an effort to better meet a student's needs under the direction of the assigned teacher.

• Assists students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to dressing, hygiene, diapering, toileting, and wash up routines.

• Provide programmed practice activities and repetitions as developed by the teacher, therapist, or speech pathologist.

• Reports the special needs of individual students to the teacher and assists students as needed.

• Assists with the use and care of computers and other district equipment and materials in compliance with established policies.

• Prepares, secures, and organizes materials, equipment, and resources needed for instructional use, arranges displays and bulletin boards, and performs related clerical and recordkeeping duties under the direction of the assigned instructional staff member.

• Follows confidentiality FERPA guidelines with regard to student performance and records.

• Participates in a variety of approved professional development programs as assigned.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must hold an Associate's Degree (or) Have completed a minimum of 48 semester hours of study at a regionally accredited institution of higher education (or) Have successfully completed the Alabama State Board of Education approved WORKKEYS test.

• Adequate strength and dexterity to perform all required tasks including lifting, stooping, and bending.

• Ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships.

• Meet background clearance requirements as specified by Alabama statutes and State Board of Education regulations.

Physical Requirements:

Exerts 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, 10-25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Regular school term of 182 days or for the remainder of the school year if hired after the first day of school. Salary range as determined by degree and number of years' experience.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with provisions of the Board regarding the evaluation of support personnel.

This specification has been designed to represent the general nature and level of work found in this position. As such, it is not intended to contain all duties and qualifications of an employee in this position. Consequently, it is not intended to be perceived as an identification of essential job functions as required by ADA. Note: The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or logical assignment to that position.

BOARD APPROVED 11-6-2025