Middle School Instructional Assistant (Special Education)

Danvers Public Schools; Danvers (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

Danvers Public Schools Holten-Richmond Middle School in Danvers, MA seeks a Middle School Instructional Assistant to support students with disabilities across a variety of educational settings, under supervision of certified staff. This role provides instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to help students access the curriculum and participate meaningfully in the school community.

The position requires a high school diploma, ability to complete district training, and strong

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to work effectively with students with disabilities.
• Willingness to complete required district training (e.g., CPI, first aid/CPR, lifting and transferring).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• At least 1 year of relevant experience preferred.
• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in accessing content through small group or one-on-one support, under the supervision of certified staff.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction as outlined in students’ IEPs.
• Support students in both general education and special education classrooms, as well as during specials, electives, and transitions.
• Support positive behavior strategies and implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) as directed.
• Reinforce social skills, self-regulation strategies, and emotional support techniques.
• Monitor and document behavioral data when required.
• Assist students with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, feeding, mobility, hygiene) as needed and as trained.
• Ensure a safe and supportive environment at all times, including during transportation, recess, and other non-classroom activities.
• Accompany and support students during school-sponsored field trips and off-campus activities, ensuring safety, supervision, and access to participation.
• Respond to crisis situations in alignment with training and district policies.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists, specialists, and administrators to support student learning and independence.
• Maintain respectful and professional communication with students, staff, and families.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development.
• Collect and record data related to student progress, behavior, and instructional goals as directed by certified staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all school and district policies related to student records and privacy.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Experience with students with disabil

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

High School/Trade School degree preferred

Job description

Middle School Instructional Assistant (Special Education)

Danvers Public Schools Holten-Richmond Middle School - Danvers, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5946715

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Oct 01, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Position Type: Full-time

Salary: $23 to $30 Per Hour

Job Categories:

• Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA
• Special Education > Special Education Assistant

Job Description

Position Title: Instructional Assistant

Department: Special Education

Reports To: Assistant Director/Building Principal

Job Summary: The Special Education Instructional Assistant supports students with disabilities in PreK through 12th grade across a variety of educational settings. Under the direction of special education and general education staff, the assistant provides instructional, behavioral, and personal care support tailored to individual student needs. This role plays a critical part in helping students access the curriculum, develop independence, and participate meaningfully in the school community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist students in accessing academic content through small group or one-on-one support, under the supervision of certified staff.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction as outlined in students’ IEPs.
• Support students in both general education and special education classrooms, as well as during specials, electives, and transitions.
• Support positive behavior strategies and implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs) as directed.
• Reinforce social skills, self-regulation strategies, and emotional support techniques.
• Monitor and document behavioral data when required.
• Assist students with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, feeding, mobility, hygiene) as needed and as trained.
• Ensure a safe and supportive environment at all times, including during transportation, recess, and other non-classroom activities.
• Accompany and support students during school-sponsored field trips and off-campus activities, ensuring safety, supervision, and access to participation.
• Respond to crisis situations in alignment with training and district policies.
• Work closely with teachers, therapists, specialists, and administrators to support student learning and independence.
• Maintain respectful and professional communication with students, staff, and families.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development.
• Collect and record data related to student progress, behavior, and instructional goals as directed by certified staff.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all school and district policies related to student records and privacy.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not involve supervisory responsibilities over other employees.

Benefits

• Full time benefited employees at the Danvers Public Schools are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package offered through the Town of Danvers. Click HERE for a highlight of these benefits.

The Danvers Public School District is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. We do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, or homelessness in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other school-administered programs and activities.

Welcome to Holten-Richmond Middle School

Our middle school encompasses grades six through eight and focuses on the learning needs of early adolescents. Emphasis is placed on academic success and acquisition of basic skills. Throughout the middle school years, students are supported in thedevelopment of their life-long learning and coping skills. The middle school program in Danvers utilizes the interdisciplinary team approach at each grade level. The staff is listed in teams at grade levels in this handbook so that you know how the instruction is organized. Three, four or five teachers instruct all the students in all the major curricular areas each day. The team of teachers serves the same group of students and therefore learns more about them, in order to share and teach more effectively. Students on a specific team work exclusively with those teachers for all the major subject areas. They also pursue exploratory courses, such as art, computers, health, public speaking / drama, music, physical education, and technology education, as well as world languages, with students from other teams. A middle school provides less structure than an elementary school, but more than a high school, for students at that “in-between age”. The purpose behind this team structure is to promote communication, coordination, and cooperation among subject area specialists. Students benefit from instruction planned by specialists who work together to downplay the overly subject-centered emphasis for the students. Excellence can and should be achieved by integrating the subject areas for all students.

Job Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required;
• Ability to work effectively with students with a range of disabilities, including those with physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Willingness to complete required district training (e.g., CPI, first aid/CPR, lifting and transferring).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• At least 1 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Pamela Ames
• 64 Cabot Road
• Danvers, Massachusetts 01923
• Phone: [phone] x2219
• Email: [e-mail]

Map

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