Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Sylvania; Michigan; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Sylvania is seeking a paraprofessional to support students in elementary and secondary buildings, ensuring a well-organized, accessible educational environment and smooth operation of daily activities.

Responsibilities include assisting with instructional and social-emotional support in both general and special education settings, implementing behavior plans and accommodations, and participating in district initiatives and professional development under the Building Principal and Director of

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Willingness to be trained in CPI, CPR and First Aid; training provided.
• Meet federal and state paraprofessional qualification guidelines.
• Experience or knowledge working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Ability to provide instructional and social-emotional support to diverse students in general and special education.
• Ability to implement supports and strategies including behavior plans and visual schedules.
• Must participate in professional development, team meetings, and district initiatives.
• Ability to assist with physical transfers of students, including pivot transfers, up to 100 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing a well-organized, smoothly functioning school environment that supports students’ access to the educational program and available resources.
• Support students with disabilities through instructional and social-emotional activities in general and special education settings.

Skills

Student support

Behavior management

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Summary of Duties

Assist in providing a well-organized, smoothly functioning school environment that supports students’ access to the educational program and available resources. Positions are located in elementary and secondary school buildings.

Reports to

Building Principal and Director of Special Education

Qualifications/Essential Requirements

• Must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Must be trained, or willing to be trained, in student medical and personal care needs, CPI, CPR and First Aid
• Must meet federal and state guidelines for paraprofessional qualifications
• Experience or knowledge working with students with disabilities is preferred
• Ability to provide instructional and social-emotional support to students with diverse needs, individually and in small groups, in both general and special education settings
• Ability to implement student supports and strategies, including behavior plans, visual schedules, academic accommodations, and other individualized supports
• Ability to support positive learning and interpersonal experiences for students
• Must participate in required professional development, team meetings, and school/district initiatives
• Must have the ability to perform or assist with physical transfers, including pivot transfers, of students who may weigh 100 pounds or more

Compensation

DESPA Master Agreement Class II – 07 position

Work Schedule

6.42 hours per school day following district calendar

Building and/or student assignments may change during the school year or in subsequent school years based on student and District needs

FLSA

Non-exempt

Application Deadline

Internal: Friday, September 25, 2026; 4:00 p.m.

External: Monday, October 5, 2026; 4:00 p.m. or until filled