Special Education Instructional Assistant (Life Skills)

Special Education Instructional Assistant (Life Skills) JobID: 1547 Position Type: Support Staff/Special Education AssistantDate Posted: 8/28/2026Location: Plainfield High SchoolDate Available: ASAP Closing Date: Until Filled Additional Information: Show/HideJob Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant Department: Special EducationReports To: Principal / Lead Special Education TeacherClassification: Part-TimeSalary Range: $19.39 Position OverviewWe are looking for a compassionate, patient, and dedicated Special Education Instructional Assistant to join our Life Skills Classroom. In this role, you will work side-by-side with our Lead Special Education Teachers to provide academic, behavioral, and emotional support to students with diverse learning needs. Your day-to-day will involve implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), modifying assignments, and fostering an inclusive, safe classroom culture. If you love celebrating small victories that make a massive difference in a child's life, this is the place for you. Key ResponsibilitiesInstructional Support: Reinforce lessons presented by the lead teacher by working with students individually or in small groups to master academic concepts.IEP Implementation: Help track, monitor, and document student progress toward specific learning and behavioral goals outlined in their IEPs.Behavioral Support: Implement positive behavior intervention strategies to help students manage frustrations, stay on task, and navigate social interactions safely.Accommodations & Modifications: Adapt classroom materials (e.g., scaling reading levels, organizing visual schedules) under the direction of the special education teacher.Daily Living Assistance: Provide physical or personal care assistance as required by specific student needs (may include mobility assistance, feeding, or toileting support depending on assignment).Collaboration: Maintain open, professional communication with teachers, therapists, and administrators regarding student progress and well-being. Qualifications & SkillsRequired:Education: High School Diploma or equivalent AND one of the following:Associate degree or higher, OR48 college semester credits, ORPassing score on the ParaPro Assessment (or state-equivalent exam).Clearances: Ability to pass a comprehensive criminal background check, fingerprinting, and child abuse clearances.Attributes: Exceptional patience, emotional resilience, and a deep sense of empathy for children with varying abilities.Preferred (Nice-to-Have):Previous experience working with children with special needs (Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, etc.) in a school, camp, or daycare setting.Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) or de-escalation training.First Aid/CPR certification.Bilingual skills.