Special Education Instructional Assistant Jobs in Pennsylvania

This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Salary (2026-2027):

• $17.02 per hour

Position:

• Six and a half (6.5) hours per day
• Nine (9) month position

Benefits:

• Five (5) paid holidays
• Life insurance
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage for employee only

Paid time off:

• Days are pro-rated based on start date with the District and are allocated after successful completion of a 60-day probationary period.
• • Three (3) personal leave days
  • Ten (10) days accumulated sick leave per year

GENERAL SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for assisting teachers with instructional support to meet the daily lesson plans provided by the teacher in order to meet the goals of each student’s IEP and to provide a safe and orderly environment. The incumbent treats the students with respect and understanding. The incumbent works with students with unique disabilities in an environment mixed with children with disabilities as well as little or no disabilities. The incumbent works with other members of the Department in meeting department goals and objectives in support of the CLSD mission to provide a social and educational environment for the students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists the teacher to carry out the goals and objectives of the IEP.
• Assist the classroom teacher with the development and presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises.
• Provides instructional assistance to students individually or in small groups under the general direction of the teacher.
• Assists the student to achieve the goals of their IEP. Works with the classroom teacher to accomplish student goals.
• Assists the classroom teacher in delivering appropriate accommodations and support for academic behavioral and life skills, for example: supervision, behavioral plans, inclusion, transitions, toileting assistance; adaptation to different teachers, making copies, preparing things to go home and assist teacher in preparing bulletin boards.
• Assists teacher to maintain charts on student tasks and behavioral patterns.
• Assists the student while the teacher is teaching a lesson or working on projects.
• May meet students at the bus and escorts to and from the classroom.
• Works with students to handle unforeseen situations.
• Operates a variety of instructional media and office equipment.
• Assists in the maintenance of classroom discipline in accordance with established policy and procedures.
• Assists students to become self-sufficient so they can eventually perform these duties on their own.
• Adapts to the student’s mode of communication as necessary for instructional purposes.
• Assists in the implementation and reinforcement of student needs and therapy programs developed by speech and language and other support staff.
• May assist in the transfer of students from wheelchairs to classroom therapy equipment.
• May assist in the implementation of integrated physical and/or occupational therapy at the direction of the therapist.
• May assist students in toileting and personal hygiene activities.
• Assists in performing various assignments on academic projects necessary to the student’s success.
• May accompany students to specials, such as lunch, music, art, gym and etc.
• Assists students on the computer, CD/tape players, e-mail and etc.
• Helps organize students with regard to work folders and folders with information to be sent home.
• Provides verbal and physical prompts to carry out routine for student.
• Keeps teachers informed of student’s progress while attending specials.
• May be requested to work with students, modifying the learning environment and minimizing distractions toward others in the classroom.
• Demonstrates and maintains a positive attitude in the classroom encouraging students to do their best.
• Assists teacher as a member of a team to handle student needs and issues and share the workload.
• Attends and participates in special education meetings and training, when necessary.
• Prepares special accommodations for students with special needs under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Special Skills:

Position requires the following skills: be able to provide oral prompts; be able to understand behavioral patterns; CPR skill, understand basic terminology and various life skills disabilities; be highly organized; possess excellent communication skills; be highly confidential at all times; act as a team player; be able to deal with stressful situations; be flexible to work on multiple tasks; pay attention to detail; be able to learn new skills; possess empathy and understanding; be caring and patient; be consistent and flexible, maintain composure at all times and deal with constant change.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Paraeducators shall meet one of the following four qualifications:
• • Have completed at least two years of post-secondary study.
  • Possess an associate degree or higher.
  • Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a State or local assessment.
  • Completed the Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators through the PA Department of Education.

AND

• • As required by the PA Department of Education: Each school year, provide evidence of 20 hours of staff development activities related to the position. Pro-ration will apply based on date of hire within the school year.

CERTIFICATION REQUIRED

CPR and First Aid training may be required based on the student’s IEP and medical assistance eligibility, and classroom type.

CERTIFICATION DESIRED

Crisis Prevention Institute or Safe Crisis Management Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Program, as directed by program needs.

PHYSICAL / MENTAL / ENVIRONMENTAL:

Physical:

• Sit: 25% walk/stand: 75%;
• Ability to reach above and below the waist
• Ability to use fingers to pick, feel and grasp objects
• Some stooping, bending and twisting of the body
• Some Students may hit, kick or bite.
• Frequent lifting of up to 10 pounds and occasional up to 100 pounds

Sensory Abilities:

• Visual acuity
• Auditory acuity

Cognitive Ability:

• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to exercise good judgment
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions.

Temperament:

• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Must be courteous and able to deal effectively with people.
• Must be cooperative, congenial, and service oriented.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Ability to be flexible.

Mental Demands:

• Ability to interpret detailed written and verbal communications.
• Ability to function in fast-paced and high-pressure work setting.
• Ability to define problems, collect and organize information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions to solve the problem/handle the situation and use clear and good judgment.
• Must be able to remain calm in what can become a stressful environment.

Environment:

• Primarily classroom and school setting.
• Limited movement outside the classroom setting.