Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Young World Physical Education; Forest Grove (OR); On-site; USD 30,651 - 38,324; Part time

Job summary

Young World Physical Education is seeking an Instructional Assistant for Special Education in Forest Grove, Oregon. This role involves providing academic and behavioral support to students with disabilities, adapting classroom activities, and documenting student progress.

The ideal candidate should hold at least a high-school diploma and have experience working with behaviorally at-risk children. The position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $22.25 to $27.82.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years working with behaviorally at-risk children or equivalent education and experience.
• Skills in operating computers and basic clerical functions.
• Knowledge of child development principles and instructional processes.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed staff by providing academic and behavioral support to students.
• Monitor individual students and classroom activities to provide a safe learning environment.
• Implement academic instruction designed by a teacher.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication

Organizational skills

Sensitivity to students with cognitive or physical handicaps

Basic arithmetic

Education

High-school diploma or equivalent

72 quarter-hour accredited college education or passing score on Work Keys Test

Bachelor’s Degree (preferred)

Tools

Computer and office machines

Job description

Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Starting Date: Aug 26, 2026

Job Summary

Assist licensed staff by providing concentrated academic and behavioral support to students with various disabilities in regular or self‑contained classrooms; observe and document student progress and behavior; provide information to appropriate school personnel; supervise students; attend meetings and training; report to the Principal, Special Education Administrator or designee.

Essential Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and materials under teacher direction to allow all students to participate.
• Administers first aid and prescription medication to students in accordance with district, state and federal requirements.
• Assists special‑education students with daily care (toileting, diapering, feeding, etc.).
• Confers with teachers and specialists and participates in team meetings to evaluate progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Documents students’ activities and progress, supporting teachers and administrators.
• Implements academic instruction designed by a teacher for individuals or small groups to meet learning goals described by an IEP or district benchmarks.
• Implements behavior plans developed by the IEP team to assist students with behavior disorders or other handicapping conditions.
• Monitors individual students and classroom activities to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides direct instructional services to students under licensed staff supervision (e.g., Early Bird sessions, detention, assigned students).
• Provides behavioral support on district transportation using re‑directing, reinforcement and collaborative conversations aligned with individual support plans.
• Responds to emergency situations (e.g., injured student, fights) to resolve immediate safety concerns.
• Participates in in‑service workshops and training to convey and improve job‑related skills.

Other Responsibilities

• Reports observations and incidents verbally or in writing to appropriate personnel.
• Assists other personnel as required to support their work activities.
• Demonstrates professionalism and judgment in behavior, speech, and dress.
• Contributes positively to the work environment.
• Collaborates effectively with others.
• Maintains consistent attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High‑school diploma or equivalent; 72 quarter‑hour accredited college education or passing score on Work Keys Test. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Experience: 1–2 years working with behaviorally at‑risk children, or equivalent education and experience.
• Skills: Operate a computer, office machines, telephone and technology; excellent oral and written communication; organizational skills; sensitivity to students with cognitive or physical handicaps; instructional, parent and staff communication; basic arithmetic; English proficiency; basic clerical functions; background in various subjects.
• Knowledge: Principles of child development and instructional processes.
• Abilities: Work harmoniously with others; communicate with diverse students, parents and staff in English, Spanish or other languages; independent work; stay focused; manage confidentiality; perform multiple tasks; learn new instructional methods; manage behavior; lift/handle up to 40 lbs.
• Continuing Education/Training: Pre‑employment criminal background check; First Aid/CPR certification; Oregon Intervention System certification (or similar).

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Work requires varied physical activities including walking, standing, lifting (up to 40 lbs), and occasional exposure to weather and noise. The environment is fast‑paced and emotionally demanding, with potential interaction with aggressive students.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Forest Grove School District is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, citizenship or marital status.

Position Type and Salary

Regular – $22.25 to $27.82 per hour.

Contact Information

• HR Department, 1728 Main Street, Forest Grove, Oregon 97116
• Phone: 503‑359‑6171
• Email: [e-mail]