Senior Instructional Assistant

We will begin accepting applications on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Only online applications will be accepted: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/downey This is a Promotional and Open recruitment to establish an eligibility list, fill vacancies, and hire substitutes. Substitutes work on an as-needed basis to fill in for absent employees. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list. In a promotional and open recruitment, the promotional list shall take precedence. When the promotional list contains fewer than three eligible and willing employees, certification of additional ranks shall then be made from the open list. Positions in this classification are part-time, 25 - 32.50 hours per week, 11 months/184 workdays per year. The recruitment process will consist of a written and/or an oral technical interview which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of July 13, 2026 - August 10, 2026 . Qualified applicants will be notified by email.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, TITLE IX, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher or specialist in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students with disabilities; monitor and report student progress toward academic, behavioral, or socio emotional goals and performance; perform a variety of instructional and clerical duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Senior Instructional Assistants work with students with disabilities in a variety of settings which may include, but not limited to, a special day class, a resource program or a general classroom. Senior Instructional Assistants assist the classroom teacher by performing a variety of support functions in a classroom setting. Provide instructional support, as directed by the teacher to individuals or small groups of students with disabilities; utilize and implement basic digitized instructional programs and applications for student learning and/or progress monitoring, and utilize the District's Learning Management System to support the students' instructional program. E Under the direction of the teacher prepare instructional materials and administer and score tests. E Monitor, observe and collect data on of students' academic behavioral, and social-emotional progress according to approved District protocols; report students' progress to school staff as assigned by the classroom teacher. E Perform a variety of instructional and clerical duties such as grading papers and posting grades, creating graphic organizers for student use, researching online supplemental instructional resources, as assigned by the classroom teacher according to established guidelines. E Provide support to the classroom teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating computers and other equipment, and distributing and collecting paper and supplies. E Support a positive school and classroom environment by modeling professionalism with dress, behavior, and communication. Create and maintain positive interactions with staff, students, and parents. E Collaborate with teachers regarding instructional strategies, curriculum, programs, and materials to meet student needs. E Assure the health safety, and well-being of students by following District established health and safety practices and regulations. E Assist students with disabilities in learning personal hygiene and develop self-help skills , as assigned. Supervise and direct students at all times including lunch time, group activities, field trips, on the playground, and when mainstreamed into another class as needed; supervise the loading and unloading of students on school buses as assigned. Participate in meetings and in-service training programs , as assigned. Follow all District and school established professional expectations. Perform related duties , as assigned.

Note:

At the end of some of the duty statements there is an italicized "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

KNOWLEDGE OF

Basic child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with disabilities. Reading, writing, and mathematics. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Safe practices in classroom and school yard activities. Basic classroom management strategies. Basic instructional strategies. Basic data management and record keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO

Use appropriate interpersonal relations using tact, patience, and responsibility. Be energetic and participative. Work collaboratively with others. Communicate effectively, in a positive manner, with all staff, students, and families. Assist with the instructional program in Special Education. Assist with developing instructional materials for classroom or student use. Implement strategies learned in District provided trainings. Understand the developmental needs of students with disabilities. Develop rapport and relate to students with diverse needs. Perform routine clerical duties such as filing, duplicating and maintaining records. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Read and follow all District and school rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and professional expectations. Communicate effectively orally and in writing with students and adults. Read and follow rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Demonstrate attendance sufficient to complete the duties of the position as required. Work cooperatively with others. Maintain confidentially of sensitive and privileged information. Monitor and observe student behavior according to approved policies and procedures. Operate instructional and office equipment. Use technology in an instructional environment.

Any combination equivalent to:

graduation from high school and one year of experience working with children in an organized setting.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Some positions in this class may be required to speak a second designated language. Senior Instructional Assistant who assist in classroom instruction must meet the education and experience requirement and the following requirements as set forth in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): Must pass assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing and mathematics OR reading, writing, and mathematic readiness OR, may meet requirements with completion of two years of higher education study OR possession of an Associate's or higher-level degree.

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom environment for students with disabilities which may also include the general education setting.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

Seeing to monitor student behavior during classroom activities; hearing and speaking to provide assistance and information related to classroom assignments; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer, audio-visual and other educational training equipment; bending at the waist; kneeling; and standing and walking for extended periods of time. Pushing and/or pulling doors, cabinets, drawers, desk, chairs etc. Lift and carry paperwork, supplies, teaching materials, writing utensils, play equipment, art supplies, students chairs, backpacks, and other equipment weighing up to 15 pounds.