Special Education Instruction Assistant - Adult Transition Program

Washington County TN School District; United States; On-site; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington County TN School District is seeking a Special Education Instructional Assistant for the Adult Transition Program. The role supports licensed teachers in classrooms and intervention settings, assists with data collection, and helps implement IEP objectives.

Candidates must have two years of college credit or an associate degree or pass the Para-Pro exam, with First Aid/CPR certification; the job requires heavy lifting and is non-exempt, full-time.

Qualifications

• Requires two years of college credit or an associate’s degree or passing Para-Pro exam.
• First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain.
• Criminal Justice background clearance is part of the job requirements.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities and materials under teacher direction.
• Administers tests and assign makeup work.
• Assists with dressing, toileting, and feeding as needed.
• Supports IEP objectives and maintains a positive learning environment.
• Collaborates with teachers, parents, and resources for student benefit.
• Provides direct instruction in academics and social skills in small groups.

Skills

Adaptability

Classroom support

IEP collaboration

De-escalation

Data collection

Education

Two years college credit (48 semester hours)

Associate’s Degree

Para-Pro exam passing score

Tools

First Aid and CPR certification

Para-Pro exam

Job description

Special Education Instruction Assistant – Adult Transition Program

Department: Student Supports – Special Education

Location: TBD

Job Type: Full Time

Salary: Support Salary Schedule (Asst. SPED)

Job ID: 1839

Posting Date: 7/7/2026

Available Date: 8/3/2026

Certificates & Licenses: Must have two years of college credit (48 semester credit hours from an accredited university, excluding remedial courses); an Associate’s Degree from an accredited university; or a passing score on the Para‑Pro exam. Must have or be willing to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.

Clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance, Passing score on the Para‑Pro exam in lieu of college credit.

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Job Description

Purpose

The role of Special Education Instructional Assistant is to work with individuals and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a licensed teacher, providing support in classrooms and intervention settings based on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). This includes classroom support, intervention delivery, data collection, and assistance in lunchroom, playground, and related arts settings.

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher.
• Provides classroom assignments, tests, and homework assignments; administers make‑up work.
• Administers first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional.
• Assists in record keeping and assists in designing materials for individual students in general or special education classrooms.
• Assists students individually or in small groups with lessons to practice and reinforce learning concepts.
• Assists under the supervision of teachers in meeting IEP objectives and in maintaining a positive, orderly learning environment.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, parents, and community resources for the benefit of students.
• Communicates with teachers to evaluate progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Assists with dressing, changing diapers, toileting, positioning, lifting, and feeding of students.
• Employs de‑escalation and restraint strategies; required to have restraint training and certification.
• Supports implementation of IEPs focused on skill deficits and self‑care programs.
• Prepares lesson materials, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.
• Provides direct academic and social skill instruction within the classroom or in small groups.
• Monitors and supervises students in various settings such as classrooms, playground, field trips, library, cafeteria, bus loading/unloading.
• Detects signs of ill health or problems and reports to supervising teacher.
• Participates in required professional learning/training on child development, early childhood education, health/safety, de‑escalation, CPR, intervention, etc.
• Responds promptly to emergency situations, reporting incidents of violence, weapons, drugs, or child abuse as required by law.
• Supports classroom management and discipline, ensuring safety at all times.
• Utilizes positive behavioral supports and special education tools directed by supervising teacher.
• Works directly with students in general and special education classrooms providing special assistance and/or instruction.

Other Functions

• Performs other job‑related duties as assigned.

Work Environment

The job requires heavy lifting of over 60 lbs. and may involve pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and other physical tasks. The role may require frequent changes in duties without loss of efficiency.

Physical Demands:

• Pushing, pulling
• Climbing
• Stooping, kneeling
• Reaching
• Talking
• Hearing
• Assist students who may require extra support with physical needs
• Adaptability in performing a variety of duties and making decisions

This job description will be reviewed periodically and at the end of the academic year. The description may be amended to determine viability.