Special Education Instructional Assistant, Specialized Program

Frederick County Public Schools; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick County Public Schools seeks a Special Education Instructional Assistant for a Specialized Program at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School. Under the direction of certified staff, you will support students with IEPs, assist with instructional activities, and provide personal care as needed.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, 48 college credits or AA, and relevant experience. CPR/First Aid and crisis prevention training are expected within the first year.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 48 college credits/AA degree or equivalent.
• ParaPathways or NES certifications preferred or required within first year.

Responsibilities

• Assist students under certificated FCPS staff direction.
• Document and communicate student progress.
• Set up materials and assistive devices as directed.
• Support students toward independence and IEPS goals.
• Assist with routine personal care as needed and under nurse guidance.
• Monitor safety and assist during activities and transitions.
• Attend IEP and staff meetings as scheduled.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Attendance

English basics

Willingness to train

Education

High school diploma or GED

48 college credits / AA degree

ParaPathways / NES exams

Job description

Job Details

Special Education Instructional Assistant, Specialized Program

JobID: 18291

Posting Information

• Date Posted: 7/6/2026
• Location: Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
• Date Available: 08/01/2026
• Closing Date: 07/15/2026

Education Requirements

All education provided on your application must be supported by attaching a scanned copy of your high school diploma, transcription or college/university transcript.

Work Year Calendar and Hours

Under the Fair Labor and Standards Act this position is non-exempt from overtime. Actual salary placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Frederick County Public School System. Please see linked salary scale for the full range. This vacancy announcement is part of a current classification study which is an ongoing evaluation process to review its duties, responsibilities, and appropriate placement within the organization’s job structure at FCPS.

Role

Under the general direction of one or more certified classroom teachers and/or school administrator(s), Special Education Instructional Assistants for Specialized Programs monitor, assist, and provide support for students with special needs to implement the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students that participate in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Specialized Programs (Expressions, Learning for Life, Pyramid, Rock Creek). Assistance to the student(s) may include extensive physical and/or personal care support. All duties/responsibilities are performed under the direction of a special education teacher. The ability to lift may be required based on student needs.

Essential Functions

• Supports students under the direction of a Certificated FCPS staff.
• Communicates and documents student progress.
• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by student(s) as directed.
• Facilitates student progress toward independence.
• Monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities.
• Assists student(s) with routine physical and/or personal care not required to be performed by a nurse.
• Monitors and assists students in meeting IEP goals and objectives.
• Carries out emergency action and/or health care plans for designated student(s).
• Assists students with classroom accessibility.
• Prioritizes work assignments appropriately.
• Completes appropriate amount of work in an efficient manner; seeks out additional assignments as time permits.
• Demonstrates support for the organization and its goals; accepts constructive criticism.
• Reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary and mathematics.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Assists with administering, scoring, and recording of assessments.
• May participate in crisis intervention techniques.
• Assist with physically aggressive behaviors as needed.
• Assist in student mobility, moving wheelchairs, operating lifting devices and assisting students with self-care needs.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Supports the delivery of education and services to students with moderately to severe behavioral needs.
• Assists in the delivery of education and services to students with moderately to severe communication needs.
• Supports in the delivery of education and services to students with moderately to severe intellectual needs.

Other Functions

• Attends IEP team meetings and staff meetings as directed and/or scheduled.
• Provides weekly classroom coverage for teachers attending IEP team meetings.
• Provides general clerical support for the special education program, including typing, filing, making phone calls, scheduling, classroom preparation, and other similar tasks.

Additional Directives

Performs other duties as assigned by the Classroom Teacher/Administrator.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Note: 48 college credits, AA degree, or passing one of the following exams (ParaPathways, Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support, or Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support & Instruction).
• One (1) to three (3) years’ experience in working with students with moderately to severe behavioral, communicative and/or intellectual needs in a school or educational setting.
• CPR/First Aid Training (completed within first year of hire if not current)
• District approved Crisis Prevention training program (completed within first year of hire)
• Registered Behavior Technician Training (completed within first year of hire)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely in both oral and written form.
• Working knowledge of English, spelling vocabulary, and mathematics.
• Willingness to participate in training programs or professional development designed by the principal or central office staff as it pertains to the job function.
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate of Arts Degree
• College level coursework related to child development
• Previous experience working with children in an educational setting
• Experience working with students with disabilities
• Knowledge of American Sign Language.
• Knowledge of child development and instructional strategies.
• Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs.

Physical Demands

• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation and on the telephone and in addressing groups.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to sit and stand in a classroom setting.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to grasp, handle, manipulate, and/or feel objects and use classroom/office technology.
• Sufficient mobility to move about the work area.
• Sufficient vision to read and comprehend printed materials, see distant objects with clarity, and identify and distinguish objects.
• Sufficient hearing to hear and comprehend conversations in person and on the telephone, as well as distinguish sounds up to twenty (20) feet.
• Occasionally climb or balance.
• Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Frequently lifting fifty (50) pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN WRITTEN TO INDICATE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THIS POSITION. IT IS NOT WRITTEN TO INCLUDE OR BE INTERPRETED TO INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. NOTHING IN THIS DESCRIPTION RESTRICTS MANAGEMENT'S RIGHT TO ASSIGN OR REASSIGN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OR ADD REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME.