Special Education Instructional Aide

Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ); Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 31,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) seeks a Special Education Instructional Aide for a full-time, on-site role in Piscataway, NJ. You will support students with special needs in classroom and small-group settings under the direction of certified teachers and related service providers.

Daily duties include reinforcing lessons, supporting behavior management plans, assisting with daily routines and personal care as needed, maintaining a safe, inclusive learning environment,

Qualifications

• Strong communication with students, staff and families.
• Ability to work as part of a diverse school team.
• Experience with behavior support plans and IEPs.
• Patience, empathy, and consistency when working with children.
• Following teacher and administrator directions and maintaining confidentiality.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing training.

Responsibilities

• Support students with special needs in classroom and small groups under supervision.
• Reinforce lessons and assist with instructional activities.
• Support behavior management plans and daily routines.
• Document student progress and collaborate with staff and families to support IEPs.
• Prepare classroom materials and supervise transitions and non-instructional times.
• Participate in professional development as needed.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Behavior management

Experience with children

IEP knowledge

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Willingness to training

Physical ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Company Description

The Educational Services Commission of New Jersey (ESCNJ) partners with school districts across the state to deliver high-quality educational services to students. Its mission is to promote statewide excellence while supporting districts with specialized programs and resources. ESCNJ also coordinates cost-efficient purchasing opportunities for educational institutions and municipalities. By reducing operational costs and improving access to services, ESCNJ helps limit the tax burden on New Jersey residents and strengthens educational outcomes.

Role Description

The Special Education Instructional Aide is a full-time, on-site role located in Piscataway, NJ. This position supports students with special needs in classroom and small-group settings under the direction of certified teachers and related service providers. Day-to-day responsibilities include assisting with instructional activities, reinforcing lessons, supporting behavior management plans, and helping students with daily routines and personal care as needed. The Instructional Aide will also help maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment, document student progress as directed, and collaborate with school staff and families to support individualized education plans (IEPs). Additional duties may include preparing classroom materials, supervising students during transitions and non-instructional times, and participating in professional development.

Qualifications

• Strong Communication skills, including clear verbal and written communication with students, staff, and families.
• Effective Interpersonal Skills to build positive, respectful relationships and work collaboratively within a diverse school community.
• Behavior Management skills to implement behavior support plans, de-escalate challenging situations, and promote positive student conduct.
• Experience Working With Children in educational, childcare, or youth program settings, with patience, empathy, and consistency.
• Knowledge of Special Education practices, including familiarity with IEPs and accommodations for students with diverse learning needs.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework or degree in education or related field preferred.
• Ability to follow teacher and administrator direction, work as part of a team, and maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Physical ability to support students’ needs (e.g., assisting with mobility, classroom materials, and active supervision) and willingness to participate in ongoing training.