Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistant, After School in Boston Sy 26-27

Needham High School; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

Needham Public Schools seeks an Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistant for after-school 1:1 support in Dorchester, MA. The role involves implementing ABA-based strategies, assisting with behavior plans, and supporting students with complex disabilities in a varied setting.

The position is part-time and requires collaboration with the instructional team, teachers, and families. The ideal candidate will have a background in special education or related experience and a passion for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or 2+ years experience in similar role (i.e. ABA, job coaching, etc).
• Aptitude for the work to be performed in a special education setting.
• Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities.
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant needs.
• Implement behavior intervention plans and positive reinforcement strategies.
• Support inclusion and community integration for students.
• Assist with data collection to monitor progress and develop support plans.
• Communicate regularly with families and school staff.

Skills

ABA experience

Job coaching

Child development knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 2 years related experience

Job description

Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistant, After School in Boston Sy 26-27

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Job Details

Job ID: 1627804 Application Deadline: Dec 01, 2026 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time) Re-Posted: Oct 23, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Job Description

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled IntensiveSpecial EducationInstructional Assistant to join our team. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

This position provides after-school 1:1 support from 3:30 to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, in Dorchester, MA.

About Needham Public Schools (NPS): NPS has a deep commitment to the success of our diverse students and families and to the professional accomplishments of its educators. Needham devotes itself to cultural proficiency, equity, and community collaboration to fulfill the vision of the Portrait of a Needham Graduate. This METCO district comprises 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 nationally-ranked high school serving approximately 5,500 students. NPS is committed to addressing equity in the district by focusing on improving academic performance for historically marginalized students and ensuring our schools are safe for every child and free of bias, bullying, and hurtful acts that demean and diminish. Read more about our equity work here .

The Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistant in our ILC (Independent Learning Center, ages 14 to 18) and PG (Post Graduate Program, ages 18 to 22) works with students in the program as well as in the community.Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistants in ILC and PG work with our students in a variety of settings such as college campuses and work/internship settings. These TAs are trained and supported by the Program Teacher, Transition Specialist, BCBA, and the Special Education Director. The ILC and PG Programs take a team approach to supporting the needs of the students. Instructional Assistants provide support to students in a variety of settings both in school and in the community.

Job Description:

Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and Special Education Director, the Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistant provides specialized instruction and support for students with complex learning profiles and/or behavioral challenges enrolled in the Intensive Learning Center/Post Graduate Program, utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis. Depending on grade level and the individual needs of students, Intensive Special Education Instructional Assistants may be responsible for the following:

• Provide 1:1 or small group specialized instruction for students with significant special needs utilizing the strategies of applied behavior analysis which may take place in an inclusion setting
• Implement student specific behavior intervention plans including positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de-escalation strategies, and/or providing motor breaks
• Prevent, minimize, and manage behavioral challenges following district protocols
• Support students’ integration within a classroom setting through academic, social, and behavioral interventions
• Implement augmentative communication and assistive technology instruction and support for students who are non-speaking or have limited communication skills
• Provide life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate
• Provide pre-vocational training and job coaching for students in school and the larger community as appropriate
• Assist with program specific data collection to monitor student progress and develop necessary support plans (e.g. academics, social skills, and behavior plans)
• Support students to navigate the school day including non-instructional time
• Prepare instructional materials for students based on their individual learning needs and goals
• Assist with home/school communications (e.g. daily log) as assigned
• Provide regular feedback to the special education team members on student progress
• Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal or Assistant Principal

The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
• Knowledge of complex learning profiles and common behavioral challenges
• Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students, including performing physical restraint when necessary
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
• Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or at least 2 years experience in a similar role (i.e. ABA, job coaching, etc)
• Demonstrate aptitude for work to be performed
• Passion for working with children/students with complex disabilities
• Basic knowledge of child growth and development

Job Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to high.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices, and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Will assist students with standing, sitting, and organizational functions as well as life skill instruction including toileting, self-care, and travel training as appropriate. Must be Safety Care trained and may perform and/or assist in the restraint of students to ensure safety.

Compensation and Benefits:

Please review the Unit C Contract and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. Hourly Rate:$26.71-$31.51

Successful completion of all standard state and district background checks (CORI/SORI and fingerprinting) is mandatory before employment.

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website .

Position Type: Part-Time

Contact Information

• Lisa Tedeschi
• 1330 Highland Avenue
• Needham, Massachusetts 02492
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]