Special Education Instructional Assistant

River-Valley-Charter-School; Newburyport (MA); Sur place; USD 32 000 - 52 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

River Valley Charter School in Newburyport, MA is seeking a dedicated Special Education Instructional Assistant to support a student’s access to Montessori instruction and daily activities. The role emphasizes individualized assistance, collaboration with the learning team, and promoting independence.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma (associates or BA preferred), experience with diverse learners, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children, particularly students with diverse learning or behavioral needs.
• Patience, consistency, and a calm demeanor.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsabilités

• Provide individualized support to a designated student throughout the school day.
• Assist the student in accessing classroom instruction, materials, and routines.
• Implement accommodations and modifications as directed by the Special Education Teacher and Lead Teacher.
• Communicate regularly with teachers about student progress and observations.

Connaissances

Experience working with children with

Patience and calm demeanor

Strong interpersonal & communication

Ability to follow directions

Formation

High School Diploma; Associate’s or Bachelor's degree preferred

Description du poste

Special Education Instructional Assistant

River Valley Charter School River Valley Charter School - Newburyport, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5953933
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Oct 07, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Position Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Purpose: The Special Education Instructional Assistant provides individualized support to a specific student to ensure access to instruction, the Montessori environment, and the broader school community. This role supports the student’s academic, social, behavioral, and developmental needs as directed by the Special Education Teacher and classroom Lead Teacher. The Special Education Instructional Assistant promotes student independence and gradually reduces support when appropriate, ensuring the student can fully engage in the learning environment over time.

Core Responsibilities

• Student Support and Access: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will:
• Provide individualized support to a designated student throughout the school day as assigned
• Support the student in accessing classroom instruction, materials, and routines
• Implement accommodations and modifications as directed by the Special Education Teacher and Lead Teacher
• Assist the student in initiating, sustaining, and completing work tasks
• Support transitions, organization, and engagement in the Montessori work cycle
• Reinforce strategies that promote independence, self-regulation, and self-advocacy
• Balance support with appropriate fading to avoid over-dependence
• Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will:
• Implement behavior support plans as designed by the Special Education Teacher or school team
• Support the student in developing social skills and appropriate peer interactions
• Use consistent, proactive strategies to support emotional regulation
• Reinforce grace and courtesy and classroom/community expectations
• Monitor and respond to student needs in a calm, consistent, and supportive manner
• Collaboration and Communication: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will:
• Work closely with the Lead Teacher and Special Education Teacher to ensure alignment of support
• Follow direction from instructional staff regarding student goals, strategies, and expectations
• Communicate regularly with teachers about student progress, needs, and observations
• Participate in team meetings as appropriate
• Data Collection and Documentation: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will:
• Collect data on student behavior, engagement, and progress as directed
• Maintain accurate and organized records
• Share observations that inform instructional and support decisions
• Classroom and Environment Support (as appropriate): The Special Education Instructional Assistant will:
• Support the student’s participation in the prepared Montessori environment
• Assist with maintaining organization and accessibility of materials for the student
• Provide limited classroom support when it directly relates to supporting the assigned student

Professional Practice and Responsibilities: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will:

• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information
• Engage in training related to student needs, behavior support, and instructional strategies
• Follow all school policies, procedures, and professional expectations
• Maintain consistent attendance and reliability
• Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to student and classroom needs

Essential Functions

• Providing individualized student support throughout the school day as directed by instructional and student support staff
• Supporting student access to instruction, classroom routines, transitions, and the Montessori learning environment
• Implementing instructional accommodations, behavioral strategies, and support plans with consistency and fidelity
• Promoting student independence, self-regulation, and engagement while avoiding over-dependence on adult support
• Supervising and supporting students across classroom, lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal, and other school settings as assigned
• Collecting and documenting student data, observations, and progress information as directed
• Collaborating effectively with teachers, related service providers, and school staff regarding student support needs
• Responding calmly, consistently, and appropriately to behavioral, emotional, or safety concerns
• Communicating professionally and maintaining confidentiality regarding student information
• Managing multiple responsibilities and responding flexibly to changing student and classroom needs
• Performing duties that require frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting classroom materials, and active engagement with students throughout the school day
• Regular and reliable attendance

Performance Expectations

• Student Support and Independence: Effectiveness in supporting student access to learning
• Promotion of student independence and reduction of over-reliance
• Implementation of Plans: Fidelity in implementing instructional, behavioral, and support plans
• Collaboration and Communication: Responsiveness to direction from teachers
• Quality of communication and teamwork
• Professional Responsibilities: Reliability, consistency, confidentiality, and professionalism

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience working with children, particularly students with diverse learning or behavioral needs
• Ability to follow direction and implement instructional and behavioral strategies
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Patience, consistency, and a calm demeanor

Key Competencies

• Ability to build supportive, trusting relationships with students
• Skill in promoting independence while providing appropriate support
• Consistency in implementing routines and strategies
• Strong observation and attention to detail
• Flexibility and responsiveness
• Professionalism and discretion

Position Type: Full-time

Job Requirements

• Additional Employment Information:
  Equal Employment Opportunity: RVCS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military service or veteran status, citizenship status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer and compensation. RVCS prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind.
  At-Will Employment: Employment with RVCS is at-will. This means that either the employee or RVCS may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Nothing in this job description or any other document shall be construed to create a contract of employment or alter the at-will nature of employment.
  ADA Accommodation Statement: RVCS is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position. RVCS will engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. Applicants or employees who require an accommodation should notify Human Resources.
  Job Duties Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. RVCS reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with business needs.
  
• At least 1 year(s) of relevant experience preferred.
• High School/Trade School degree preferred.
• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• River Valley Charter School , Administration
• 2 Perry Way
• Newburyport, Massachusetts 01950
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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Welcome to River Valley Charter School

Our Mission..is to provide a rigorous academic program based on the Montessori philosophy and rooted in the history, culture, and ecology of the Merrimack River Valley. Students will reach their full potential as scholars and become self-reliant, productive members of society. They will be adept at critical thinking and creative problem solving and will be fully prepared to succeed in future schools, careers, and civic life.