Instructional Assistant Program Specialist

FCPS-MD; Frederick (MD); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading school district is seeking an Instructional Assistant: Program Specialist to support students in Title I programs at Butterfly Ridge Elementary School. The role involves providing academic support, crisis intervention, and creating instructional materials. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or significant experience in Title I programs.
• Must meet HQ requirement (ParaPro, AA/BA degree, or 60 college credits).
• Experience with children having academic/behavior difficulties.

Responsibilities

• Provide academic support under the direction of a classroom teacher.
• Conduct academic/behavior interventions with students.
• Participate in student services team meetings.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Academic support

Behavior management

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

60 college credits

Tools

Excel

Job description

Position Type:
Instructional Support/ Instructional Assistant

Date Posted:
5/21/2025

Location:
Butterfly Ridge Elementary School
(High-Needs School)

Date Available:
08/13/2025

Closing Date:
05/30/2025

10-month position (190 days / year), 7 hours per day

Daily Work Hours:

Support Salary Scale Grade S08: $23.38 per hour starting

Provide crisis intervention services.

Provide academic support under the direction of a classroom teacher

Create instructional written and visual materials for staff and students.

Conduct academic/behavior interventions with students.

Identify and model behavior management and crisis intervention techniques for school staff.

Provide recommendations to school staff and central office personnel regarding supports and technique to enhance the educational experience for students

Supports training initiatives targeting academic and behavior improvements for students

Participate in student services team/grade level team meetings as appropriate.

Participate in student concerns meetings as appropriate.

Assist with material preparation for student concerns meetings

Bachelor’s degree (significant experience providing support to students in specialized or Title I programs may be considered in lieu of the bachelor’s degree).

Must meet HQ requirement. For IA’s that would mean passing the ParaPro, holding an AA or BA degree or completing 60 college credits.

Experience working with children and/or adolescents with significant academic and behavior difficulties in an elementary setting

Experience interacting with students manifesting disruptive behaviors.

Experience providing training to adult learners.

Ability to collect, format and present data using excel or compatible software application.

Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

Training in crisis de-escalation techniques.

Ability to accurately observe, record, and interpret student behaviors.

Strong organizational skills.

Regular and predictable attendance.

Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Knowledge of instructional techniques and strategies

Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs.

All education provided on your application must be supported by attaching a scanned copy of your high school diploma, transcription or college/university transcript.

Work Year Calendar and Hours

• 10-month position (190 days / year), 7 hours per day
• Daily Work Hours:

For more information about employee benefits please go to: www.fcps.org/benefits

Salary

• Support Salary Scale Grade S08: $23.38 per hour starting

Under the Fair Labor and Standards Act this position is non-exempt from overtime. Actual salary placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Frederick County Public School System.Please see linked salary scale for the full range.

Role

The Instructional Assistant: Program Specialist supports the educational program at school sites serving students enrolled in Title I programs.

The IAPS creates and implements supports for students to achieve academic and behavior goals.

Essential Functions

Reporting directly to the school principal, the Instructional Assistant: Program Specialist performs the following duties:

• Provide crisis intervention services.
• Provide academic support under the direction of a classroom teacher
• Create instructional written and visual materials for staff and students.
• Conduct academic/behavior interventions with students.
• Identify and model behavior management and crisis intervention techniques for school staff.
• Provide recommendations to school staff and central office personnel regarding supports and technique to enhance the educational experience for students
• Supports training initiatives targeting academic and behavior improvements for students
• Participate in student services team/grade level team meetings as appropriate.
• Participate in student concerns meetings as appropriate.
• Assist with material preparation for student concerns meetings

Performs other duties as assigned by the Principal.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (significant experience providing support to students in specialized or Title I programs may be considered in lieu of the bachelor’s degree).
• Must meet HQ requirement. For IA’s that would mean passing the ParaPro, holding an AA or BA degree or completing 60 college credits.
• Experience working with children and/or adolescents with significant academic and behavior difficulties in an elementary setting
• Experience interacting with students manifesting disruptive behaviors.
• Experience providing training to adult learners.
• Ability to collect, format and present data using excel or compatible software application.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Training in crisis de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to accurately observe, record, and interpret student behaviors.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of instructional techniques and strategies
• Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs.

FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN WRITTEN TO INDICATE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THIS POSITION. IT IS NOT WRITTEN TO INCLUDE OR BE INTERPRETED TO INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. NOTHING IN THIS DESCRIPTION RESTRICTS MANAGEMENT’S RIGHT TO ASSIGN OR REASSIGN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OR ADD REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME.