Instructional Assistant for Special Education (2026-2027) Apply Now! Fast Turn Around

Pocahontas Elementary School; Virginia; On-site; USD 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Powhatan County Public Schools' Pocahontas Elementary School in Powhatan, Virginia seeks an Instructional Assistant for Special Education for the 2026-2027 school year. The role supports students with disabilities (ages 2–22 depending on assignment) to meet IEP goals and access the general education curriculum, under the supervision of a classroom teacher.

Responsibilities include reinforcing instruction, promoting a respectful and independent learning environment, assisting with physical tasks,

Qualifications

• Meets the VDOE Highly Qualified definition by credentials listed.
• Earned an Associate Degree or completed 60 college credits or passed ParaPathways (ETS 5757).
• Paraprofessionals working with students with autism must complete autism competencies training within 60 days.

Responsibilities

• Reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher using educational technology.
• Foster an environment of mutual respect, independence, and student dignity.
• Assist students with physical tasks such as dressing, moving between spaces, hygiene, toileting, eating, and lifting.
• Escort students to and from the bus, on field trips, and during lunch and recess as directed by the teacher.
• Implement classroom and individual behavior plans under teacher supervision.
• Perform clerical duties as requested and adhere to school procedures and schedules.

Education

Associate degree / 60 college credits / ParaPathways

Job description

Instructional Assistant for Special Education (2026-2027)

Powhatan County Public Schools Pocahontas Elementary School - Powhatan, Virginia Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5966726

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 21, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Title: Instructional Assistant (Special Education)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Status: Classified

License Required: No

Reports to: Classroom Teacher

Summary

Works with students with disabilities (ages 2-22 years old depending on assignment) on a regular basis to provide them with the support they need to meet their IEP goals and objectives and access the general education curriculum.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

• Under the supervision of the special education or general education teacher, work with students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher to include using educational technology.
• Work with the teacher to foster an environment which encourages mutual respect, independence and the protection of the students’ dignity.
• Assist students with physical limitations in tasks such as putting on and taking off clothing, moving from room to room, personal hygiene, toileting, feeding/eating and lifting.
• Accompany the students as directed by the teacher to and from the bus, on field trips, during community based instruction, and at lunch, resources and recess.
• Early childhood special education assistants may be required to ride the bus to assist students during their ride to and from school.
• Under the supervision of the teacher, implement classroom and individual behavior plans.
• At the direction of the teacher, perform requested clerical duties.
• Adhere to building procedures for punctuality, dress codes and report to scheduled classes on time.
• Maintain student information in a confidential manner.
• Attend staff development as required.
• Disability specific duties to be assigned by supervising teacher.
• Perform other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent, or designee.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to work with students, multi-task and work to meet a deadline and have a working knowledge of computer applications.

Education and/or Experience

Must meet the VDOE Definition of Highly Qualified by having one of the following credentials:

• Earned an Associate Degree or

• Completion of 60college credits or

• Passed the P araPathways assessment (ETS 5757)

Per the Code of Virginia § 22.1-298.3, paraprofessionals/instructional assistants who work with students with autism must also complete the Virginia Department of Education’s autism competencies training within 60 days of assignment to such responsibility.

Language Skills

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in

one-on-one and group situations.

Reasoning/Other Abilities

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, run, use hands, talk, see and hear. Depending on the assignment, the employee may be required to move or lift a student with assistance.

Work 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 the essential functions.

Evaluation

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of classified personnel.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $22,259 to $33,388 Per Year