Special Education Teaching Assistant Jobs in Virginia

INTRODUCTION

Albemarle County Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Assistant II (Autism Base) for Stone-Robinson Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year. This position offers an opportunity to work in a school division committed to providing authentic, challenging, and relevant learning experiences for all students.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Special Education Assistant II provides support to the instructional program with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of students with special needs; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior; documenting activities and progress; and supporting students’ IEP goals. Responsibilities include:

• Developing and maintaining a pleasant and orderly classroom environment (e.g., maintain instructional materials, design bulletin boards, assist special education teacher and/or students in clean-up activities, etc.)
• Assisting students in the completion of learning tasks assigned by classroom teachers
• Leading and/or facilitating teaching of individuals in 1:1, small group, or whole class instruction
• Carrying out instructional plans as designated by the classroom teacher and if appropriate the student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
• Maintaining student training data according to prescribed procedures
• Assisting individual students as necessary to follow routines, follow directions, follow an individual schedule, and/or complete tasks
• Procuring, setting up, and operating audio-visual equipment
• Assisting in the development and implementation of individual student schedules, sensory program and sensory activities, motor group activities, discrete trial drills, and/or student behavior management plans
• Creating alternative activities for independent work based on teacher-directed activities
• Assisting in the coordination of school and home supports and work tasks
• Assisting with data collection and facilitating accommodations as required by the classroom teacher or supervisor
• Communicating effectively with special education teacher information to help facilitate the IEP goals of the students
• Demonstrating cooperation, openness for growth, and willingness to contribute to a team approach to the educational program
• Under the supervision of the classroom teacher and/or building principal, assisting in the maintenance of students' records, collection of lunch monies, and related instructional activities (e.g., field trips, library, assembly, etc.) as directed
• Monitoring student’s attendance, behavior, and suspension data
• Performing clerical duties as typing, filing, and duplicating at the direction of the classroom teacher
• Providing direct support to staff by introducing and modeling research/evidence-based interventions
• Providing direct support to students by teaching and modeling research/evidence-based interventions and curriculum
• Coordinating with Specialists and school staff to implement behavior curriculum
• Providing transition plans and support for students moving from one educational setting to another
• Coordinating with Specialists and school staff to develop effective intervention plans
• Coordinating with Specialists and school staff to develop crisis/safety plans
• Providing interventions to enable students to remain in school and/or help stabilize them
• Supervising and training students in the lunchroom or during lunch period
• Supervising and training students during free time and other non-instructional periods as directed by the classroom teacher
• Maintaining a notebook that will be monitored by the special education teacher and Specialists
• Assisting students with daily living skills (i.e. toileting, feeding, diaper changes, positioning of students, etc.)
• Assisting with deregulated students
• Participating in team meetings
• Assisting with medical-related duties, i.e. catheterization, gastrointestinal feedings, assistive breathing devices, colostomy, and ileostomy needs
• Assisting with carry-over of related services, i.e., Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech, Adapted Physical Education, and Vision
• Performing other duties as assigned by classroom teacher or principal

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• High school graduate or hold equivalence of a high school diploma
• Willingness to seek and maintain CPR certification
• Ability to develop and maintain an empathetic attitude toward disabled/handicapped students
• Willingness to learn specialized instructional/management techniques employed with disabled/handicapped students
• Ability to communicate and develop effective working relationships with students, parents, and staff

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school including basic keyboard and filing training. Possession of an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Duties performed typically in school settings include classroom, gym, cafeteria, auditorium, and recreational areas. Frequent walking, standing, light lifting, up to 80 pounds, and other physical activities necessary for the movement and comfort of disabled students are required. Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary. Regular movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required. Personal hygiene of disabled students in changing catheters, diapers, and clothing may be required. Training and immunization against blood-borne pathogens may be necessary. Occasional lifting of equipment such as audio-visuals weighing up to 50 pounds may be required. Occasional attendance at parent conferences, building-level meetings division-wide meetings, and training activities beyond normal assigned hours is necessary. Daily personal and close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Regular contact with other staff members, parents, and medical professionals may be required. Contacts with community and division-level staff may require considerable tact and diplomacy. Contact with children requires considerable empathy and understanding of students with disabilities. Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Job responsibilities include both inside and outside duties. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments. After-hour work may be required. Must be able to work under stressful conditions. Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions. May be subject to physical and emotional outbursts by students, including such behaviors as hitting, kicking, spitting, scratching, and biting. Dexterity of hands and fingers assist/restrain students and operate specialized equipment or office equipment. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching to assist students. Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities. Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally. Lifting or moving children from wheelchairs to tables or desks.

EVALUATION

Performance will be evaluated on the ability and effectiveness in carrying out the above responsibilities.

POSITION TYPE

Full-Time

SALARY

$19.51 to $23.41 Per Hour

JOB CATEGORIES

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

CONTACT INFORMATION

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