Instructional Assistant - Special Education (SPED) SY26-27

Columbus City Schools - Ohio; Columbus, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbus City Schools – Ohio is seeking an Instructional Assistant to support students in special education programs within a school-based setting. The role involves assisting teachers, preparing instructional materials, and helping manage classroom activities to foster a positive learning environment.

The position requires familiarity with special education processes, CPI certification, and the ability to work with diverse student needs.

Qualifications

• Must have an Associate's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution.
• Have at least 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours from an accredited institution.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required.
• Alternative qualification: Pass the Parapro examination (ETS or OSU) with a high school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

• Assist with teaching activities in the classroom.
• Assist teachers in preparing instructional and audio-visual materials.
• Establish rapport with parents/guardians and community members.
• Supervise student behavior in hallways, lunchrooms, and playgrounds.
• Supervise students on field trips and help with bus loading/unloading.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Student support

Education

Associate's degree or higher

48 sem hours / 72 quarter hours

CPI certification

Parapro exam eligibility

Job description

Instructional Assistant - Special Education (SPED) SY26-27

Job Description

Job Title:

Instructional Assistant – Special Education

Applicants with healthcare and/or child & adolescent behavioral experience are encouraged to apply!

Job Type:

Full-Time, Part-Time & Substitute

Location:

Columbus, Ohio

Department:

School Based Support

Reports To:

School Principal or Department Supervisor

About Us:

At Columbus City Schools, we strive to make sure each student is highly-educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community - but we can't do it without you!

As an award-winning school district in the award-winning city of Columbus, Ohio, we are proud of the work our more than 10,000 employees (including teachers, coaches, and administrators) do every day to change the lives of our students. With more than 51,000 students located in over 100 different schools around the city of Columbus, we know there's a position that's right for you.

RISE UP and apply to our exciting and impactful position detailed below!

Benefits and Compensation:

Benefits: Columbus City Schools is proud to offer competitive, affordable, and holistic benefits to our certificated employees. We offer strong medical and dental benefits, along with free vision. CCS employees also have access to an Employee Assistance Program, free life insurance starting at $50,000, and even pet insurance!

Substitutes are eligible for promotion to permanent positions when available.

Substitute positions are not benefits eligible

It is the responsibility of all applicants to provide a complete list of relevant work experience (previous and current) on the application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of listed work experience.

Official Transcripts or Degree are required to receive educational credit. Please attach before submitting the application. Applications cannot be updated after submission.

Definition:

Assists the building administrator and teacher in the supervision and education of our students in special services classrooms as well as perform general building duties.

Works cooperatively with staff members to develop and implement effective educational programs and to deliver appropriate services to students.

Examples of Work

• Assist with teaching activates in the classroom
• Assists teachers in the preparation of instructional and audio-visual materials
• Establishes rapport with the parents/guardians and community members through phone calls, home visits and school conferences.
• Assists in the supervision of student behavior in hallways, lunchrooms and on the playground.
• Assists with supervising students on field trips.
• Assists with bus loading and unloading.
• Attends required professional development sessions.
• Assists in the reinforcement of discipline procedures.
• Conducts individual and small group activities.
• Alerts the classroom teach to any needs or relevant information which best fits the individual student.
• Assists children in developing skills of independence (including diapering and toilet training) in all areas of self-help.

Special Education Classroom & Service Abbreviations

SED – Serious Emotional Disturbance: Students with significant emotional/behavioral needs requiring structured support and interventions.

ED – Emotional Disturbance: Students with emotional or behavioral challenges impacting learning; support varies by need.

SLC – Specialized Learning Classroom: Small, structured classroom with modified instruction for intensive academic support.

MD – Multiple Disabilities: Students with two or more disabilities requiring individualized academic and functional support.

OHI – Other Health Impairment: Students with health conditions affecting focus, strength, or alertness.

OI – Orthopedic Impairment: Students with physical impairments affecting mobility; may require adaptive equipment.

HI – Hearing Impairment: Students with hearing loss; may use interpreters or amplification.

1:1 – One-to-One Support: Dedicated instructional assistant provides individualized support. This assignment typically follows and supports the student throughout their educational journey with Columbus City Schools, as determined by program and service needs.

Instructional Assistant (MD)

• An Instructional Assistant (Multi-Disabilities) serves children who are severely disabled.
• Uses behavior management techniques, which may include physical restraint.
• Coaches students on job sites in the community.
• Participates in teaching a functional curriculum such as bus training and grocery shopping.
• Assists with teaching activities in classroom.

Instructional Assistants (SED)

• An Instructional Assistant (Severe Emotionally Disturbed) assists teachers and administrators to facilitate positive academic and behavioral growth for students who are identified as Severe Emotionally Disturbed.
• Assists teachers and administrators in maintaining and restoring order and discipline in the school building and on grounds.
• Restrains and/or transports disturbed students, when necessary, sing non-offensive verbal and/or physical mediation skills.
• Assists in supervising student behavior throughout the school day.
• Assists teachers in maintain or restoring order in the classroom when needed.
• Monitors quiet/isolation rooms and/or time out areas.
• Assists in the supervision of student behavior in hallways, lunchrooms and on the playground.

Instructional Assistant (OH)

• An Instructional Assistant (Orthopedically Disabled) assists teachers with students that are orthopedically disabled in the classroom and other settings.
• Assists children in developing skills of independence in all areas of self-help as organizing their classroom materials.

Job Qualifications/Licensure:

• Must have an Associate's degree (or higher) from an accredited institution of higher learning. OR
• Have at least 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification required. CPI Training will be provided by the Special Education Department.

Alternative Qualification:

• Pass the Ohio Department of Education approved Parapro examination administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or by the Ohio State University (OSU), and possess a high school diploma or GED recognized by the Ohio Department of Education. * To take the Parapro exam, contact ETS at escco.org or 614-542-4111. The test is $55.
• Or to take the Parapro, register with OSU at https://www2.registerblast.com/theosu/Exam/List. There is a $25 administrative fee an additional $55 test fee.

Prior to application completion, please attach an OFFICIAL transcript or copy of degree indicating field of study, if applicable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must possess a strong desire and willingness to assist teachers and administrators in serving a diverse student population.
• Must have the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, co-workers, and supervisors.
• Under final consideration for employment and in accordance with Ohio Law, fingerprints and passing a criminal record check is required. By completing an application, an individual agrees to comply fully with Ohio Revised Code 109.57 and 3319.311, both pre- and post-employment.
• If hired must obtain an Educational Aide Permit from the Ohio Department of Education.

Physical/Mental Demands and Work Environment:

• Tools/Equipment Use: Desktop PC with keyboard and mouse, laptop, scanner, calculator, software, desk, and adjustable chair.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, bending, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing, pulling and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting and carrying (less than 10 pounds).
• Environment: Works in office setting; may require occasional irregular hours and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

Columbus City Schools (CCS) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against individuals regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, gender identity or expression, ancestry, familial status, military status or disability in its educational programs, activities, and employment policies. CCS fully supports the hiring and employment of individuals with physical or mental disabilities who meet the job qualifications, so long as the individuals are able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.