Instructional Assistant (Special Education) (SY 25-26)

Position: Instructional Assistant - Special EducationPosition Type: Full-timeDepartment: Special EducationLocation: Cunniff Elementary SchoolReports to: School PrincipalAffiliation: WEA Unit DSalary range: Per the Unit D Salary ScaleGeneral Description:Instructional Assistants will assist teachers in providing an innovative, high quality education program designed to meet the needs of the children in the Watertown Public Schools. Paraprofessionals will work with school staff to create an educational environment in which quality and continuity are key factors in educating the students of the Watertown Public Schools. This position includes supporting students with special education needs in both inclusive and specialized settings.Responsibilities:Under direction from the school administration, general education teacher, special education teacher, and related service providers, provide needed supports to students during instructional periods as well as non-instructional activitiesMaintain student data as directed by teachers /related service providersFollow and implement behavior support plans as provided by teachers/related service providersProvide overall support to the classroom teacher and student, based on the needs of the student and the classroomIncorporate knowledge of student learning styles and child development to assist student learningRecognize when teaching and learning strategies are not successful and seek the guidance of the classroom teacher to adapt assistance accordinglyProvide verbal support, prompting, redirection, and modeling in helping the student(s) access the activities of the curriculumReact professionally and objectively to unpredictable situations (e.g. environmental changes, behavior/aggression, etc.)Perform other duties as required.Qualifications Required:Education: High School Diploma or GED.Minimum of two years experience working with young children.Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employmentFlexibility with respect to age groups, assignmentsAbility to follow through with directionsExperience working with students at the elementary level who have significant learning and social/emotional needsExperience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans and an understanding of functions of behaviorsMust have experience with or ability to learn ABA methodology and techniquesAbility to take initiative to complete tasks and to assist students with de-escalation techniques and executive functioning skillsAbility to work collaboratively as a part of a teamExperience with, or ability to learn to utilize, assistive technology and PECS functional communication systems in support of studentsPreferred:* Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.* Certification as a teacher or license as a social worker.Physical Demands:* Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.Equal Opportunity EmployerWatertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.