OPT Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs

This position will be avaliable for the 2026-2027 School Year

Position Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant

Pay Grade: 6
Period of Employment: 9.5 months
Description Approved/ Revised: 06/2024
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Supervised by and/or Reports to: Classroom Teacher, Department Supervisor, Building Administrators

General Responsibilities: Assists student(s) who requires modifications and accommodations to gain access to a free and appropriate public education as directed by the classroom instructor.

Essential Duties:

(This list is intended solely as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude their addition if they are similar to or a logical extension of the position.)

• 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.

Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 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.

Requisite Education and Experience:

• Must possess a minimum of 60 college credit hours; or an Associate’s Degree or higher; or have successfully passed the Para Pro Assessment.
• Experience in an educational setting and/or prior teaching/instructional experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to: a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.

Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements. It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. The administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary.