Instructional Assistant - (Special Education)

Central Massachusetts Collaborative; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

The Central Massachusetts Collaborative in Worcester, MA seeks an Instructional Assistant to support students with moderate to intensive special needs in a therapeutic day school setting. The role focuses on providing behavioral and learning support for students with autism and related challenges, under the direction of the Director.

You will assist the classroom teacher with lessons, prepare instructional materials, monitor transitions and daily living activities, supervise meals, and

Qualifications

• Experience working with children with special needs.
• High School diploma or the equivalent.
• ABA training and experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide behavioral and learning support for students with autism and social-emotional/behavioral needs.
• Assist classroom teacher by reviewing, correcting and reinforcing lessons for individuals and small groups.
• Prepare and inventory instructional materials and set up learning aids and equipment.
• Assist with transitions and activities of daily living.
• Supervise meals and assist with clean-up as needed.
• Assist with clerical tasks such as attendance and filing.
• Participate in planning for field trips and school events.
• Contribute to enrichment activities in art, music, etc., per school policies.

Skills

Experience with special needs

Behavioral support

Classroom assistance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

ABA training (preferred)

Job description

Instructional Assistant - (Special Education)

Central Massachusetts Collaborative - Worcester, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5932692
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 18, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Instructional Assistant

REPORTS TO: Director

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:

The Instructional Assistant is an energetic and flexible employee who is eager to work in our therapeutic day school with a high needs population. This position is accountable for providing assistance to the classroom teacher and/or other certified personnel, to support the instruction of all students with moderate to intensive special needs and to facilitate educational access for students who may have significant cognitive, social/emotional, behavioral or daily living skills challenges. This position contributes to a warm and open atmosphere so that all students will have the opportunity to grow and develop to their fullest potential.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 1. Provide behavioral and learning support, instruction, and monitoring of students with autism and/or social emotional / behavioral needs.
• 2. Assist the classroom teacher by reviewing, correcting and reinforcing lessons with individual and small groups of students in all content areas and other activities associated with the curriculum.
• 3. Assist in preparation and inventory of instructional materials and the setting-up operating and maintenance of various learning aids, and equipment.
• 4. Assist with and/or monitor transitions and activities of daily living.
• 5. Assist in the supervision of breakfast and/or lunch periods and assemblies, and cleaning up of work areas.
• 6. Assist the classroom teacher in clerical work which may include, but not limited to, recording daily attendance, detail history cards, cataloging and filing instructional materials.
• 7. Participate and contribute to weekly, monthly and long-range planning with the classroom teacher for instructional activities such as observing special days and events, field trips and visits and school-wide activities such as health testing, etc.
• 8. Contribute to enrichment activities by sharing special talents and abilities which may include the areas of art, music, cooking, etc., consistent with policies of the CMC.
• 9. Assist the classroom teacher during the work day in fostering greater understanding for assigned students.
• 10. Assist the classroom teacher in the supervision of children at work or play to provide the teacher an opportunity to work with small groups or individuals.
• 11. Serve as the substitute teacher or be the chief source of information and assist any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• 12. Perform duty work (lunch, recess, line, and bus) as assigned by the program director.
• 13. Complete CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention training upon hire and maintain CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention certification.
• 14. Address and handle students with behavioral issues following directions from the teacher; perform de-escalation strategies and physical supports (as a last resort), with non-violent physical restraint strategies.
• 15. Performing duties associated within specialty areas of assignment. This may include those instructional assistants who are assigned to special projects, including grant programs that require specialized training and duties.
• 16. Lift and carry objects and/or classroom equipment, up to 50 pounds.
• 17. Able to reach, grasp and handle objects using upper extremities.
• 18. Demonstrate sound judgments and decisions aligned with school regulations and philosophy and promote a positive school climate that fosters high student expectations and employs appropriate strategies that address multiple learning styles for all students.
• 19. Demonstrate good communication skills and the ability to deal with people in a professional manner in all situations.
• 20. Accompany students on field trips and community-based activities, providing active supervision, behavioral support, and instructional assistance to ensure student safety and access to learning opportunities.
• 21. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1. Experience working with children with special needs.
• 2. High School diploma or the equivalent.
• 3. ABA training and experience preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE: 183 days

WORK HOURS: Hours per day and additional hours as outlined in the CBA.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience and degree of education as outlined in the CBA.

Position Type: Full-time
Salary: $24 to $30 Per Hour
Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Welcome to Central Massachusetts Collaborative

The Central Massachusetts Collaborative (CMC) proudly provides educational, clinical, and therapeutic services to children, grades kindergarten through twelve. Our staff of over 180 full time dedicated employees serve over 500 students from school districts surrounding Worcester County.The CMC was founded in 1975 by our member districts, Webster Public Schools and Worcester Public Schools, under the Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40, Section E. Our mission is to provide cost effective solutions to public school districts that are seeking quality education for children in need of specialized services.A member of the Massachusetts Organization of Educational Collaboratives (MOEC), the CMSEC strives to achieve excellence within the field of general and special education by creating school environments that are safe, nurturing, and therapeutic for the children we serve.

Job Requirements

• REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Experience working with children with special needs.
  2. High School diploma or the equivalent.
  3. ABA training and experience preferred.
  
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Allison Freeman , Director of Student Services
• 14 New Bond Street
• Worcester, Massachusetts 01585
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]