Special Education Instructor Assistant

Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Wellness incentives

OPERS retirement plan

Job summary

Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services seeks an Instructor Assistant for Bobbie B Fairfax School in Cincinnati. You will support students ages 5-21 with individualized learning plans in a caring classroom.

This full-time role offers a 35-hour workweek, 8:30 am–3:30 pm, Monday–Friday, with winter, spring, and summer breaks. You’ll collaborate with teachers, families, and specialists to help students grow and succeed.

Qualifications

• Clear communication, compassionate care, and teamwork are essential.
• Must be able to pass criminal background checks and abuser registry checks.
• High school diploma or equivalent; some related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support students in classroom activities, including instruction, behavior support, communication, social interaction, and daily living skills.
• Prepare classroom materials, visual supports, and maintain a safe, organized learning environment.
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, parents, and specialists to support student goals and IEPs.
• Provide personal care assistance as needed, including feeding, toileting, mobility support, and changing clothing.
• Supervise students during lunch, breaks, and transportation loading/unloading.
• Support students using communication tools such as visuals and assistive devices.
• Respond to behavioral or crisis situations, including physical intervention when necessary.
• Safely assist with lifting, positioning, and transporting students using adaptive equipment.
• Maintain accurate student data and documentation related to IEPs and vocational progress.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Clear communication

Compassionate care

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Visual supports

Job description

At Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life. Our team makes that possible every day — and we're looking for people who want their work to matter.

We are committed to building a team as diverse as the people we serve, where every member feels valued, supported, and set up to succeed.

You’ll thrive here if you:

• Are driven by purpose and find fulfillment in improving the lives of others
• Communicate clearly and compassionately — in writing and in person
• Want to grow within an organization that invests in its people and its community

What we offer:

Competitive Pay

• Starting salary is based on experience: $19.30/hr. ($26,200/yr) with no experience, up to $24.13/hr. ($32,700/yr) with 10+ years in the same role.
• Hourly role paid bi-weekly. Stretch pay implemented - equal paychecks distributed throughout the year, including during pay periods where no work occurs, such as summer break.

Work-Life Balance

• 35-hour full-time work week; 8:30 am – 3:30 pm M-F
• School schedule includes winter, spring, and summer break
• 5 personal days per year
• 12 sick days allocated upon hire; accrues at 12 days per year after year one with unlimited accrual
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage; HRA available for those who opt out of medical coverage
• FREE medical care and prescriptions through Marathon Health
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility
• Wellness incentives and a robust Employee Assistance Program
• Ohio Public Employees' Retirement System (OPERS): 10% employee / 14% employer contribution

Instructor Assistant

A typical day as an Instructor Assistant begins at 8:30 a.m., with time spent preparing the classroom or participating in staff meetings before students arrive at 9:00 a.m. You will work closely with teachers and support staff to help students ages 5-21 engage in individualized learning, communication, daily living activities, and skill development.

This role supports students with moderate to intensive disabilities, medical fragility, and behavioral needs. Candidates should demonstrate compassion, adaptability, patience, and a collaborative approach to working with students and colleagues. Classrooms are intentionally small, typically serving 5-6 students with 3-4 staff members, allowing for individualized attention, hands-on support, and meaningful relationship-building.

Throughout the day, you will celebrate milestones both big and small, from breakthroughs in communication to increased independence in daily tasks. Your support plays a critical role in helping each student feel safe, valued, empowered, and successful in their educational journey.

Job Duties (Summary):

• Support students in classroom activities, including instruction, behavior support, communication, social interaction, and daily living skills.
• Assist with preparing classroom materials, visual supports, and maintaining a safe, organized learning environment.
• Collaborate with teachers, staff, parents, and specialists to support student goals and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Provide personal care assistance as needed, including feeding, toileting, mobility support, and changing clothing.
• Supervise students during lunch, breaks, and transportation loading/unloading.
• Support students using communication tools such as visuals and assistive devices.
• Respond appropriately to behavioral or crisis situations, including physical intervention when necessary.
• Safely assist with lifting, positioning, and transporting students using adaptive equipment and proper techniques.
• Maintain accurate student data and documentation related to IEPs and vocational progress.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Some related experience preferred
• Must be able to pass criminal background checks and various abuser registry checks

Work Location:

Bobbie B Fairfax School - 4999 Kingsley Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Application Deadline:

Apply by Monday, October 26th at noon ET

Start Date:

Late fall/early winter 2026

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services offers equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.