Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia
Special Education Instructional Assistant jobs in District of Columbia are concentrated in Washington, D.C.'s public and charter school networks, where employers like DC Public Schools, DC Public Charter School Board member schools, and Kennedy Krieger Institute maintain consistent demand for assistants skilled in autism support, behavior intervention, and early childhood special education. The market is among the most active in the mid-Atlantic region, with openings at every level from entry-level paraprofessionals to experienced assistants holding advanced behavioral credentials. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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DMS International (DMS) is a professional services firm headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, with work locations throughout the continental United States. We prepare managers and executives to lead their workforce through customized learning solutions that drive the standards of an ever-changing world. We build creative, unique, and engaging learning experiences for commercial, civilian, and defense organizations. Our high-caliber talent, delivery methodology and innovative solutions contribute to preparing a workforce that is ready for the future. You can join us on this journey to bring efficiency and creativity to our customers.
At DMS, we are the catalyst for effective workforce transformation. To achieve this, we hire professionals who take pride in doing quality work and who are excited about contributing to the professional development of tomorrow's leaders.
DMS seeks candidates that possess and display the attributes that reflect our Core Values of:
- Quality in delivering solutions,
- Leadership,
- Innovation,
- Teamwork,
- Integrity in conduct
- Responsiveness to our customer's mission
Job Description
DMS is seeking an Instructional Systems Designer to join our learning services team. The candidate must have 3-5 years of experience in design and development using ISD model. He/she must have knowledge and experience in the application of MS Project in managing client deliverables and possess knowledge of adult education industry standards and best practices. The position requires direct experience in the design and development of classroom and technology-based course materials. The candidate will provide ISD support to the client and stakeholders to complete customer tasking.
Responsibilities:
- Design and develop classroom or technology-based courseware and materials as well as performance and job aids
- Work with SMEs and client stakeholders to design content and learning systems and tools
- Pilot and conduct testing at all levels
- Conduct research as directed and apply best practices based on specific requirements
Experience Required
- A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in training design and development of classroom and technology-based and web-based courseware materials using the ADDIE/ISD methodology
- Experience in designing and developing learning programs to build leadership competency particularly in aspiring managerial leaders
- Experience in both Web-Based Training and Instructor-Led/In-person Training
- Knowledgeable of adult learning education industry standards and best practices
- Experience providing ISD support at customer sites for Federal Government highly preferred
- Experience with FAA ATC, DoD, and other government agencies highly desirable
- Proficient in developing e-learning using Articulate Storyline.
- Proficient in writing content, creating behavioral and cognitive objectives, research and assessment, use of PowerPoints, and other instructional materials
Required Skills
- Design interactive learning content preferably in management and leadership topics
- Conduct analysis to define learning objectives; design and develop training courses, technology-based courseware
- Research and apply best practices based on client-specific requirements
- Generate instructional content and materials
- Implement and make recommendations on learning and technology strategies
- Recent work samples must be provided
- Experience creating graphics, and using Articulate Storyline
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Adult Learning, Instructional Design, Education, Organizational Development or other area of study comparably relevant to the management of this effort, from a regionally accredited college or university
- ISD Certification from an accredited institution is also required
Location
- Remote
Work Hours
- Monday to Friday 8am-5pm
Note: Please do not include imbedded links in your resume as we will not access any links or download any documents through the links you provide. Failure to comply will prevent your application from being delivered. If we require additional information or evidence of certification, we will reach out to you directly.
See All 14 Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia
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Find JobsSpecial Education Instructional Assistant Jobs by City in District of Columbia
Where District of Columbia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Special Education Instructional Assistant Job Market in District of Columbia
A snapshot from current District of Columbia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What District of Columbia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in special education instructional assistant jobs across District of Columbia.
- Active Paraprofessional Educator Certificate issued by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education
- High school diploma or GED with 48 or more college credit hours preferred
- Experience supporting students with IEPs in a structured classroom setting
- Knowledge of behavior management strategies including positive behavioral supports
- Ability to assist students with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities
- Current CPR and first aid certification required by many DC school employers
Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a special education instructional assistant in District of Columbia?
To become a special education instructional assistant in DC, you must obtain a Paraprofessional Educator Certificate through the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education, which requires a high school diploma and either 48 college credit hours or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment. Most positions also require experience or coursework in special education, and some employers require Registered Behavior Technician credentialing for roles supporting students with autism.
Which companies hire special education instructional assistants in District of Columbia?
Companies currently hiring special education instructional assistants in District of Columbia include KIPP DC, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Ryder System, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. DC Public Schools and the city's dense network of charter school operators represent the largest and most consistent sources of openings in the District.
Which District of Columbia cities have the most special education instructional assistant jobs?
The cities with the most special education instructional assistant openings in District of Columbia are Washington. Demand is driven almost entirely by Washington, D.C. itself, where DC Public Schools serves tens of thousands of students across all eight wards and a large charter sector adds additional hiring volume, while nearby Maryland and Virginia suburbs occasionally appear in listings tied to regional special education cooperatives.
Are there remote special education instructional assistant jobs in District of Columbia?
Yes, but they're rare. About 71% of special education instructional assistant openings tied to District of Columbia are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on nature of the role. The small share of remote-eligible positions typically involves virtual tutoring, teletherapy support, or administrative paraprofessional functions rather than direct in-classroom student assistance.
How can I get hired as a special education instructional assistant in District of Columbia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to DC Public Schools as a paraprofessional, where the system regularly hires candidates who hold the OSSE Paraprofessional Educator Certificate and meet the credit-hour requirement even without prior classroom experience. Volunteering or completing a practicum through a DC-area university education program, or transitioning from a childcare or after-school program role, are common ways candidates build the foundational experience that DC charter networks look for in new hires.
Where can I find and apply to special education instructional assistant jobs in District of Columbia?
You can find and apply to special education instructional assistant jobs in District of Columbia on Migrate Mate, which lists current DC openings updated in real time. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your credentials and preferred school environment, and apply directly through each listing.
See All 14 Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in District of Columbia
Find roles in District of Columbia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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