Instructional Assistant - Autism

Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center (Nwoesc); Defiance (OH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Job summary

Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center (Nwoesc) is hiring an Instructional Assistant for the Autism program at Independence Education Center, Defiance, OH. The role supports students with autism, assists teachers, and helps with daily living activities and behavior management.

Responsibilities include preparing materials, maintaining records, and ensuring a safe, inclusive learning environment. A valid educator license/permit and a strong work ethic are required for this full-time position.

Qualifications

• Requires valid state department of education license/permit.
• Meets mandated state/federal criteria (e.g., approved degree, credit hours or tests).
• BA in education or related field preferred; Educational aide permit required.

Responsibilities

• Arrives on time, prepared to work and follows schedule.
• Performs non-teaching support services as a collaborative team member.
• Prepares materials and equipment; keeps areas orderly and maintains equipment.
• Assists with student daily living activities, behavior management and instructional support.
• Supports inclusive environment and implements classroom accommodations as directed.
• Maintains records, assists with data collection and privacy of information.
• Communicates professionally and seeks clarification when needed.
• Keeps current with professional standards and technology relevant to duties.

Skills

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Flexibility

Reliability

Ethical standards

Education

BA in education or related field

Educational aide permit

Job description

Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center (Nwoesc) 2 - Independence Education Center - Defiance, Ohio Open in Google Maps

Instructional Assistant - Autism

Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center (Nwoesc) 2 - Independence Education Center - Defiance, Ohio Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5902895
Application Deadline: Jun 01, 2027 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Posted: Aug 23, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Title: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

Typical Schedule: 7:45-3:14 *position includes a paid lunch

Reports to: Assigned administrator/supervisor

Job Objective: Provides student services consistent with the service center mission and legal requirements.

MinimumQualifications:

• Valid state department of education license/permit as determined at the time of appointment.
• Meets mandated state/federal criteria (i.e., approved degree, completion of requisite higher education credit hours/courses, or acceptable score on an authorized professional standards test).
• BA in education or related field preferred. Educational aide permit required.
• Displays flexibility, reliability, self-discipline and a willingness to take on challenging tasks.
• Documents/maintains a record free of criminal violations that prohibit public school employment.
• Effective communication, problem-solving and time management skills.
• Embodies high ethical standards/integrity. Accepts responsibility for personal decisions/conduct.

Note: Employees must obtain training and maintain skills to fulfill compliance requirements applicable to the position as required by board policy and state/federal law.

Essential Functions:

1. Arrives on time prepared to work. Complies with established work schedules.

• Performs non-teaching support services as a collaborative member of the educational team.
• Prepares/distributes classroom materials. Prepares program equipment for use (e.g., computers, media resources, etc.). Keeps program areas orderly. Cleans/maintains equipment as directed.
• Helps with classroom records and data collection. Verifies the accuracy of information as directed.
• Provides student assistance with daily living activities, behavior management, discrete trial training, instructional support, social skills training, task redirection, etc., as directed.
• Assists individuals and small student groups with remedial or enrichment activities.
• Reinforces instructional objectives introduced by the teacher/intervention specialist.
• Supports an inclusive educational environment. Helps students assimilate into the school environment. Helps implement classroom accommodations as directed by the teacher.
• Works with program staff to identify student assistance strategies most likely to be effective.
• Helps students manage the learning environment (e.g., access/proximity to activities, assistive technology, augmentative devices, mobility assistance, use of instructional/media resources, etc.).
• Encourages student accountability, active participation, cooperation, punctuality, dependability, etc.
• Attends to student concerns discreetly when assistance is requested.
• Assists students with personal care as trained by a health care professional.
• Assists with non-classroom activities (e.g., arrival/departure, lunch, recess, field trips, etc.).

2. Exemplifies professionalism to enhance NwOESC and member district public images.

• Diligently attends to job details. Pursues quality work results. Performs all aspects of the job.
• Develops mutually respectful relationships with co-workers. Functions as part of a cohesive team.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record. Provides prompt notice of delays or absences.
• Maintains a professional appearance. Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Respects privacy. Resolutely maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Works effectively with minimal supervision. Performs tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.

3. Maintains open/effective communications. Serves as a reliable information resource.

• Prepares and maintains accurate records. Submits required paperwork on time.
• Refers administrative procedure and policy questions to an appropriate administrator.
• Seeks clarification when directives are unclear.
• Resolves issues tactfully. Uses active listening/problem-solving techniques. Respects diversity.

4. Pursues opportunities to enhance personal performance.

• Keeps current with professional standards associated with work duties.
• Updates personal skills as needed to effectively utilize task-appropriate technology.

5. Keeps current with emergency management plan procedures.

• Protects program property. Takes precautions to prevent the loss of equipment and supplies.
• Takes action to address harassment and/or aggressive behavior. Complies with all legal statutes when dealing with discrimination, inappropriate behavior or suspected child abuse/neglect.
• Upholds high standards for proper conduct. Implements effective pupil management procedures. Uses positive behavioral support techniques to address disruptive student behavior.

6. Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

• Helps implement workplace initiatives to advance organizational goals.

Performance Evaluation: Employee performance is evaluated according to applicable law, board policies, contractual agreements and service center administrative procedures.

Working Conditions:

NwOESC offers equal employment opportunity without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex (including gender identity, pregnancy, and sexual orientation) or any other legally protected category.

Safety is essential to job performance. NwOESC is an alcohol and drug free work environment. Employees must comply with all NwOESC policies, workplace safety regulations and health laws.

This job description is not intended to establish a contract or alter the terms of board authorized employment agreements. Employee benefits, classifications, contract durations, skill sets, wage rates and work schedules may vary by assignment. This summary document describes typical job functions and does not represent an exhaustive list of all possible work responsibilities.

Employee duties may change in response to funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/service revisions, regulatory requirements, technological innovations and unforeseen circumstances.

CONTRACT: 2026-2027School Year

LOCATION:Independence Education Center,06950 Independence Road Defiance, OH 43512

DEADLINE: Open Until Filled

SALARY:Based on the adopted salary schedule and the candidate’s experience.

BENEFITS: Paid sick and personal leave, with health, dental, vision, and life insurance available to employees working 25 hours or more per week. Membership in theSERS is included.

Position Type: Full-Time
Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Jestine Curry , Building Principal - Independence Education Center/Special Education Supervisor
• Email: [e-mail]

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