Instructional Assistant Intensive Special Education (Pollard Middle School 26-27SY)

Pollard Middle School; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Pollard Middle School in Needham, MA is seeking an Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistant to support students with complex needs in the Intensive Learning Center. Under supervision, you will deliver 1:1 or small group instruction using ABA methods and implement behavior plans to promote safety and progress.

Join a collaborative SPED team focused on inclusive education, data-driven planning, and strong family engagement. Immediate start; compensation hourly with a district contract.

Qualifications

• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Knowledge of academic and social skills for developmental-age students.
• Knowledge of complex learning profiles and behavioral challenges.
• Ability to decide in the moment to ensure student safety, including physical restraint when necessary.
• Ability to build supportive, compassionate relationships with students with special needs.
• Ability to work with multiple team members.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and family information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction using ABA strategies.
• Implement behavior intervention plans with positive reinforcement and cuing.
• Prevent and manage behavioral challenges per district protocols.
• Support student integration with academic, social, and behavioral supports.
• Provide augmentative communication and assistive technology support.
• Offer life skills instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training.
• Assist with data collection to monitor progress and plan supports.
• Support students through the school day including non-instructional time.
• Prepare instructional materials based on individual learning needs and goals.

Skills

Verbal and written instructions

Student safety decisions

Collaborative teamwork

Confidential information handling

Effective communication

Knowledge of development stages

Behavioral/ABA knowledge

Challenging behavior management

Education

Bachelor's degree or 2+ years in ABA/related

Aptitude for role

Passion for students with complex disabilities

Knowledge of child growth and development

Job description

Instructional Assistant Intensive Special Education (Pollard Middle School 26-27SY)

Needham Public Schools Pollard Middle School - Needham, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5925509
Application Deadline: Oct 30, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Posted: Sep 14, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistant to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Special Education Coordinator/Director, the Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistant provides specialized instruction and support for students with complex learning profiles and/or behavioral challenges enrolled in the Intensive Learning Center/Post Graduate Program, utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis. Depending on grade level and the individual needs of students, Intensive Special Education Teaching Assistants may be responsible for the following:

• Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant special needs utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis which may take place in an inclusion setting
• Implement student specific behavior intervention plans including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de-escalation strategies, and/or providing motor breaks
• Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges following district protocols
• Support students’ integration within a classroom setting through academic, social, and behavioral interventions
• Implement augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction and support for students who are non-speaking or have limited communication skills
• Provide life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate
• Provide pre-vocational training and job coaching for students in school and the larger community as appropriate
• Assist with program specific data collection to monitor student progress and develop necessary support plans (e.g. academics, social skills, and behavior plans)
• Support students to navigate the school day including non-instructional time
• Prepare instructional materials for students based on their individual learning needs and goals
• Assist with home/school communications (e.g. daily log) as assigned
• Provide regular feedback to the special education team members on student progress
• Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal or Assistant Principal

The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
• Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges
• Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students, including performing physical restraint when necessary
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
• Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or at least 2 years experience in a similar role (i.e. ABA, job coaching, etc)
• Demonstrate aptitude for work to be performed
• Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development

Job 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. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to high.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Will assist students with standing, sitting, organizational functions, as well as life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate. Must be Safety Care trained and may perform and/or assist in the restraint of students to ensure safety.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation and Benefits: Please review theUnit C Contract andthis page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. Hourly Rate:$26.71-$31.51

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website .

All positions are subject to the approval of the 2026-2027 Needham Public School budget by the Town of Needham.

Position Type: Full-Time
Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Emma N Orlando , SpEd Coordinator
• Pollard Middle School
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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