DCVPA Instructional Assistant - Exceptional Children

University of North Carolina at Wilmington; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina Wilmington seeks a DCVPA Instructional Assistant for Exceptional Children to support the classroom teacher and help deliver high-quality instruction in a safe environment. The role involves monitoring students, assisting with academic activities, leading small groups, preparing materials, and helping deescalate challenging behavior while upholding school policies.

Work hours are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with a 40-hour week and an anticipated

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalency. Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
• Strongly prefer an Associates degree or 48 semester hours college level coursework.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.
• CPI Training.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and assist students in the classroom and during activities to ensure quality instruction in a safe environment.
• Assist the teacher with academic tasks and student behaviors; may lead small group activities.
• Assist in planning and preparing the learning environment, conducting group exercises, and preparing needed materials and supplies.
• Provide one-on-one assistance as needed and reinforce/clarify instructions.
• Monitor safety and well-being of students; encourage self-esteem and independence.
• Support may include face-to-face talks, deescalation efforts, and following emergency procedures.

Skills

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

CPI Training

First Aid and CPR Certification

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Associates degree or 48 semester hours

Tools

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

CPI Training

First Aid and CPR Certification

Job description

DCVPA Instructional Assistant - Exceptional Children

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

University Information

The University of North Carolina Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching, mentoring, research, and service. UNCW is distinguished by its commitment to putting students first, supporting world-class faculty and staff, delivering transformative learning experiences, and leveraging its unique proximity to the ocean. Recognized nationally for scholarly excellence and affordability, UNCW offers a powerful academic experience that stimulates creative inquiry and critical thinking and reflects emerging industries and interdisciplinary innovation.

A public institution with nearly 20,000 students, UNCW offers a full range of baccalaureate- and graduate‑level programs, as well as doctoral degrees in educational leadership, marine biology, nursing practice and psychology; and many distance learning options, including clinical research, an accelerated RN‑to‑ BSN program, an Executive M.B.A. program structured for working professionals, and the nation’s first bachelor’s degree program focused on coastal engineering.

The university’s efforts to advance research and scholarly activities have earned UNCW the elevated designation of “Doctoral Universities: High Research Activity” institution (R2 University) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Founded as Wilmington College in 1947, UNCW moved to its present location in the heart of New Hanover County in 1961. The 660‑acre campus is only minutes from Wrightsville Beach and historic downtown Wilmington and features Georgian architecture and designated conservation areas. Wilmington International Airport ( ILM ) provides commercial air service to cities both domestic and abroad and is just six miles from the UNCW campus.

UNCW has been part of the University of North Carolina System since 1969.

Working Title

DCVPA Instructional Assistant - Exceptional Children

Job Title

Job Title Office Support III

Job Category

Job Category Unspecified

FLSA for Position

FLSA for Position Nonexempt

Brief Summary of Work for this Position

The DCVPA EC Instructional Assistant assists the teacher by monitoring and assisting students in the classroom and during other activities to ensure the provision of quality instruction in a safe environment.

To assist the teacher by monitoring and assisting students, in the classroom and/or at lunch and during other activities to ensure the provision of quality instruction in a safe environment.

Assists classroom and/ or teachers with academic and student behaviors and may lead small group activities.

Assist in planning and preparing the learning environment, conducting group exercises, and preparing needed materials and supplies.

Assists students with learning; reinforces and clarifies instructions; conducts short sessions on improving study skills; provides one-on-one assistance as needed.

Constantly monitors the safety and well‑being of students; monitors student attitudes and encourages self‑esteem; assists students with becoming increasingly independent.

Support may also include, but not limited to, face to face talks, walks in designated school areas and talks in helping to verbally deescalate students.

Stays abreast of activities performed by the teacher, daily routines of the classroom, student handbook rules, handbook of Parent’s Rights and procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.

Implement behavior intervention plan strategies and document effectiveness of strategies.

Any other school duties assigned by the Principal or coordinator of the Exceptional Children’s Program.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalency. Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Strongly prefer an Associates degree or 48 semester hours college level coursework.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.
• CPI Training.
• First Aid and CPR Certification.

Work Hours

Work Hours 7:00 am- 3:30 pm

Work Days

Work Days Monday - Friday

Hours Per Week 40 hours

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $15- $20/per hour

Job Posting Date

Job Posting Date 10/14/2026

Job Closing Date

Job Closing Date 10/28/2026

EEO Statement

UNCW does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of his or her race, sex (such as gender, gender identity, marital status, childbirth, and pregnancy), age, color, national origin (including ethnicity), religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, military service member status, genetic information, or relationship to other university constituents – except where sex, age, or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for State funded employee benefit programs.

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. UNC Wilmington participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity with UNCW? (2026)
  • UNCW Website
  • UNCW LinkedIn Page
  • UNCW X Account (formerly Twitter)
  • UNCW Employee Referral
  • UNCW Instagram Account (UNCW_jobs)
  • UNCW Job Alert
  • Chronical of Higher Education
  • Glassdoor
  • Higher Ed Jobs
  • Indeed
  • Inside Higher Ed
  • North Carolina Job Network
  • Craigslist
  • Career Events/Job Fairs
  • Billboards/Marquee
  • Other
• If you selected "Other" to the question above, please explain how you found out about this opportunity. Enter N/A if not applicable.

  (Open Ended Question)