CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY SCHOOLS

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Instructional Assistant-Special Education
Location: Various schools
Reports to: Principal and assigned teacher/program
FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Summary:
An Instructional Assistant for Special Education is responsible for clerical, instructional and
human support in assisting the classroom teacher in the management and instruction of students.
The instructional assistant performs related tasks as required and directed and is under the
supervision of the classroom teacher. The instructional assistant may independently perform
some aspects of the instructional program and share results and data with the teacher.

Essential Functions:
• Follow and conduct the instructional plans as designated by the classroom teacher and if
appropriate, the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Assist students individual and in groups to present or reinforce learning concepts
• Administer tests, homework assignments and make-up work as directed by the teacher
• Develop and maintain 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)
• Assist teacher in maintaining appropriate level of classroom behavior and control
• Assign appropriate discipline of students if directed by teacher
• Assist teacher in related instructional activities (e.g., field trips, library, assembly, etc.) to
identify needed support, reinforcement of behavior, social skills, to create a safe and
positive learning environment
• Assist in physical movement of students from one learning environment to another
• Perform such duties as attendance recording and collect of lunch monies as directed by
the teacher
• Perform such clerical duties as typing, filing, and duplicating at direction of teacher
• Supervise students in cafeteria or during lunch period
• Supervise students during free time and other non-instructional periods as directed by the
teacher
• Assist in maintenance of students’ records if directed by the teacher
• Participate in team meetings
• Assist with toileting, feeding, and positioning of students
• Assist with health-related duties as directed by the teacher and trained to effectively
complete the duties. These could include catheterization, gastrointestinal feedings,
assistive breathing devices, colostomy and ileostomy needs or any other health service
required for the student to participate in the program
• Assist with carry-over of related services including Occupational Therapy, physical
Therapy, Speech

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Understand and assist with basic language arts and math skills; excellent written and oral
communication; skills to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade
skills in order to meet changing job conditions; operate standard office equipment, prepare and
maintain accurate records; knowledge of school policies and procedures; understanding of
effective discipline procedures; ability to follow directions from the classroom teacher;
knowledge of age/ability appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; safety
practices and procedures; develop effective working relationships with students, parents, and
staff; flexibility to be able to change processes quickly based on current situations; ability to
communicate with diverse groups; problem-solving is needed to identify issues and help develop
action plans; maintain confidentiality; ability to work as part of a team; ability to develop and
maintain an empathetic attitude toward students with disabilities; willing to learn specialized
instructional techniques employed for students with disabilities;

Education and/or Experience:
An instructional assistant must have completed at least 60 hours of college credit or earned an
associate’s or higher degree or successfully passed the ParaPro Assessment.

Physical Conditions and Nature of Work:
Duties performed typically in school settings to include: classroom, gym, cafeteria, auditorium
and recreational areas. Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary. The
usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical
demands: occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling;
frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; significant fine finer dexterity.
Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing. Occasional
attendance at parent conferences, building-level and division wide meetings and training
activities beyond the normal assigned hours is necessary. Daily person close contact with
children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required.
Regular contact with other staff members, parents and medical professional may be required.

Evaluation:
The Instructional Assistant is evaluated by the classroom teacher and Principal.

 

Contract Length:
10 months/200 days

Date Revised:
May 1, 2020