Special Education Instructional Assistant -MDS and Life Skills

Mechanicsburg Area School District; Mechanicsburg (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Mechanicsburg Area School District is seeking two Special Education Instructional Assistants at the Senior High School for the 2026/2027 school year, one in the MDS classroom and one in Life Skills. Roles are full-time, during the school year, with comprehensive medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits.

The assistants will support teachers with individualized instruction, mobility, self-care, and collaboration with the special education team to implement IEP supports and promote

Qualifications

• High School graduate with general typing ability and computer skills.
• Experience working with children in an instructional setting preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills required.
• Chapter 14 requires that all special education instructional assistants and personal care assistants meet one of: two years postsecondary study or an associate degree or an approved assessment.

Responsibilities

• Supports teacher with individualized academic and functional instruction for students with multiple disabilities.
• Assists in the Life Skills program focusing on independence, daily living, and community participation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Two years postsecondary study / Associate degree

High School diploma

Job description

SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS- MDS And LIFE SKILLS

Mechanicsburg Area School District is seeking two Special Education Instructional Assistant at our Senior High School for the 2026/2027 school year. We have one opening in our Multiple Disabilities Support classroom and one opening in our Life Skills classroom. These positions are full-time, during the school year positions, that offer comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision and life insurance.

JOB SUMMARY

MDS Classroom - The Instructional Assistant supports the teacher in providing individualized academic, functional, communication, and adaptive support to students with multiple disabilities, including hands-on assistance with mobility, toileting, personal hygiene, feeding, positioning, transitions, and other personal care needs as appropriate. Promotes student safety, dignity, participation, and independence while implementing IEP supports and collaborating closely with the classroom teacher, special education team, and related service providers.

Life Skills Classroom - The Instructional Assistant supports the teacher in providing individualized academic, functional, social, and independent-living instruction to students in the Life Skills program, with an emphasis on developing student independence and practical skills. Assists students with communication, organization, self-advocacy, employment readiness, community participation, and daily living skills while implementing IEP supports and collaborating with the classroom teacher and special education team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School graduate with general typing ability and computer skills.
• Experience working with children in an instructional setting preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills required.
• Chapter 14 requires that all special education instructional assistants and personal care assistants must meet one of the following qualifications: (1) have completed at least two years of postsecondary study, (2) possess an associates degree or higher, OR (3) complete an assessment provided.

Any individual who is to be considered for employment must provide school district officials with a valid Criminal History Clearance form, a valid Child Abuse History Clearance form, FBI Clearance, Act 168 form(s), and an I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification).

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

Mechanicsburg Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or age in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504, and ADA. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Human Resources at 600 S. Norway Street, 2nd Floor, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 (717-691-4500).