Instructional Assistant Special Education – High Rock School (grade 6) SY 25-26 Position Available In Norfolk, Massachusetts

Instructional Assistant Special Education – High Rock School (grade 6)

SY 25-26

Needham Public Schools
High Rock School – Needham, Massachusetts This job is also posted in Needham Public School District
Job Details

Job ID:

5245260

Application Deadline:

Aug 27, 2025 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Posted:

Jun 18, 2025

Starting Date:

Aug 25, 2025
Job Description
Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic, skilled, and warm Instructional assistant to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here.

Job Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Classroom Teacher, and Special Education Coordinator/Director, the Instructionsl Assistant will work closely with students in the classroom to meet instructional and social-emotional goals and objectives as well as to maintain appropriate student behavior. Depending on the grade level and needs of students, Instructional Assistants may be responsible for the following:
Assist students with special education needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives
Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic academic skills and implement assigned lessons and programs, which may include the use of augmentative technology
Support students using strategies such as positive reinforcement, visual supports, queuing, de-escalation strategies, motor breaks, as well as data collection. Assist with the preparation of instructional materials and the learning environment
Assist with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task
Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising lunch, recess, arrival or dismissal duty
Assist with student self-care, which may include hand-washing, toileting, mealtime and dressing routines Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal, or Assistant Principal The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students
Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
Effective written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications:

Pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least 2 years experience in a similar role
Passion for working with children/students with disabilities

Job Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Occasionally may need to assist students with standing, sitting, organizational functions or other related general physical tasks.

Compensation and Benefits:

Please review the Unit C Contract and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.
Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.

Position Type:

Full-Time