SUBSTITUTE INSTRUCTIONAL AIDE II - SPECIAL EDUCATION

Walnut Valley Unified School District; California (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Walnut Valley Unified School District is seeking qualified substitute instructional aides for the 2026-2027 school year. These part-time/on-call positions run Monday through Friday at multiple sites with 3 to 6 hours per day, depending on assignment.

Training in ABA and support for students with special learning needs will be expected. Responsibilities include assisting teachers, preparing instructional materials, monitoring student progress, and ensuring a safe, positive classroom environment

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent completed.
• First Aid and CPR certifications required.
• Experience or training with children with special needs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist instructional staff with classroom tasks and materials.
• Support students with special learning needs during activities.
• Assist in data collection and record scores as needed.
• Maintain confidential student records and assist with procedures.
• Help manage behavior and provide a safe learning environment.

Skills

Clerical tasks

Oral & written comms

Judgment in tough situations

Independent problem solving

Education

High School diploma

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

Job description

We have several part-time/on-call assignments available during the 2026-2027 school year, Monday through Friday at various school sites. The work hours vary by site/assignment between 3 to 6 hours.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the principal or designee, perform a variety of follow-up instructional activities; assist Education Specialists with developing and conducting training and learning activities with children experiencing special learning needs; perform a variety of routine clerical and supportive activities for instructional personnel; overall assist teachers with various tasks in the classroom; and performs other related work as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist instructional personnel with presentation of learning materials and various classroom tasks, including instructional exercises
• Provide individualized support and monitor students with special learning needs during drills, practice, and study activities to reinforce learning
• Correct student work, scores, record scores, and other valuable data collection, and return work to students
• Perform a variety of clerical tasks, including sorting, filing, record-keeping, and maintaining confidential student records
• Direct students in safe learning and play activities and functions, and assist in shaping appropriate social behaviors
• Assist in managing student behavior using positive reinforcement strategies and guiding them toward acceptable social behaviors
• Assist in preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aids geared to instructional level of children with special needs
• Provide a variety of skill-building activities with children who experience language, hearing, and other learning disabilities
• Assist students in operation of instructional aids and media, computer-assisted instruction equipment, and software programs
• Monitor and assist in remediation of learning problems and conditions
• Perform routine first aid that may include aiding children experiencing seizures or respiratory disorders
• Observe and monitor children with physical handicapping conditions and request appropriate assistance for students experiencing physical distress
• Maintain or assist in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment
• Assist students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) with classroom assignments and other goal areas
• Assist with classroom management and behaviors
• Assist with data collection, including providing input for informal assessments
• Support specialized academic instruction and goal-based behavior intervention strategies using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• May assist children with health care needs such as toileting and feeding
• May participate in parent conferences and student instruction and training planning processes
• May administer prescribed medication in accordance with established District procedures
• May provide one-on-one student instruction to facilitate visually or hearing-impaired students adjusting to regular classroom environment
• May assist with calming students’ emotional behavior challenges
• May be assigned to fill in for other classroom aide assignments based on coverage needs for day
• Participate in professional development opportunities offered by department, school site, and District that are held during employee’s work hours and work year
• May participate in professional development opportunities outside employee’s work hours and work year
• Perform related duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS – QUALIFICATIONS

Skill to:

• Perform routine clerical tasks and operate a variety of educational and office-related machines and equipment
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form
• Skillfully handle difficult situations using good judgment
• Prioritize and identify needs and solve problems independently as appropriate

Knowledge of:

• Subject matter in areas of mathematics, writing, and reading
• Basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to students with special learning needs
• Behavior management strategies and techniques relating to students experiencing atypical control problems
• Appropriate English usage, punctuation, spelling, and grammar
• Basic mathematical concepts
• Routine record storage, retrieval, and management procedures
• Performs routine first aid that may include aiding children experiencing seizures or respiratory disorders
• Equity, access, and inclusion practices as it relates to program participants

Ability to:

• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups, particularly those exhibiting specialized needs
• Appropriately manage student behavior and promote positive reinforcement
• Learn to utilize a variety of appropriate instructional materials and procedures in enhancement of a training and educational environment
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions with minimal supervision
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with children and adults
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, students, and parents while promoting team building and a positive work environment
• Adapt easily to work assignments, additional priorities, and new procedures
• Receive constructive criticism and modify work appropriately
• Suggest procedural improvements to superiors as appropriate
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality in keeping needs of educational partners a top priority
• Receive constructive criticism and modify work appropriately
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form
• Handle difficult situations using good judgment
• Demonstrate cultural competence and responsiveness in interactions, decision-making, communication, and processes
• Efficiently use and manage time and meet deadlines

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENT

Experience

Minimum of one (1) year of paid or volunteer experience working with children of various age levels requiring a specialized learning environment is preferred.

Education

Equivalent to the completion of High School, preferably with training or coursework in child growth and development, special education, instructional technology, or a closely related field.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENT

Possess and maintain current First Aid and CPR certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Persons performing service in this position classification will be expected to perform medium work, which involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary and light work. (Per the Code of Federal Regulations – Section 404.1567 “Physical Exertion Requirements”)

The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects of this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions.

• Persons performing service in this position classification will exert 40 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects
• This type of work involves sitting most of time but may involve walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, or stretching for brief periods
• Perceiving nature of sound, near and far visual acuity, depth perception, imparting oral information, manual dexterity to operate business‑related equipment, and manipulate various materials and objects are important aspects of this job
• Function effectively in classroom and outside play environments, engaged in work of a moderately active nature
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time (greater than one hour)
• Bend down at child’s level to assist with changing clothes when needed
• Sit on the floor and assist children. Requires ability to grasp, reach, push, pull, and move lightweight teaching aids and supplies
• Sufficient arm, hand, and finger dexterity to use a personal computer keyboard, multimedia, and other office equipment
• Engage in activities with children (push on swings, sit on floor, assist children with play equipment)
• Sufficient hearing and speaking skills to project voice and communicate with staff and children in classroom settings and one‑on‑one conversations
• Visual acuity to read printed materials and computer screens, observe children perform assignments, and observe moving objects and events

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

EMERGENCY REQUIREMENTS

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisor or by law.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

• An employment application and job description can be obtained either ONLINE at www.wvusd.org or at the District Office. If you need assistance, please call Daniel Palma, Human Resources Specialist, at [phone], ext. 31377.
• When completing the work experience information on the application, please refer to the job requirements and qualifications, listed on the job description (a complete job description can be found on the website: www.wvusd.org or at the District Office.). Describe in detail the job duties and responsibilities from ALL RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE which will QUALIFY you for this position.
• Qualified applicants, who meet the minimum qualifications, will receive an email invitation to complete the pre‑employment process in preparation to begin their assignments. Once all steps have been completed, the applicant will be granted the ability to pick up substitute assignments throughout the district.

REVIEW JOB DESCRIPTION

It is the responsibility of the applicant to review this classification’s job description, which is available online at www.wvusd.org or at the District Office. The job description explains in detail the physical demands, skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the essential job functions for this position.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Individuals with legally defined disabilities may request reasonable accommodation in the examination process. To make this request; please contact the Division of Human Resources at the time the application is submitted. Candidates may be required to provide documentation supporting the need for the accommodation.

VETERAN PREFERENCE (for entry‑level positions only)

Veterans who have been honorably discharged after 30 days or more of service during time of war or national emergency will receive an additional 5 points which will be added to the passing score. Disabled veterans receive 10 points. Any applicant who claims veteran’s credit must submit DD Form 214 at the time of application. Failure to submit DD Form 214 at the time of application shall result in no veteran’s credits being considered or added to any passing score.

PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT THE FOLLOWING MUST BE COMPLETED:

Per Board Policy 4112.4/4212.4/4312.4, the cost of pre‑employment examinations shall be paid by the applicant.

Certificate Renewal:

For positions requiring a valid First Aid and/or CPR certification, candidates must maintain a current status through their date of hire. If the certification expires prior to the start of the assignment, the candidate is responsible for renewing it before their first day. Throughout employment, it is the employee’s responsibility to maintain any required certification and ensure that it remains current and valid.

Fingerprinting:

Employees will be charged for processing their fingerprints at the time they are hired. The fingerprints are used to complete a confidential background investigation. All candidates with a record of convictions must indicate such on the confidential data form, which is attached to the job application. A record of conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment, but failure to list all convictions may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Physical Examination:

Newly hired employees must pass a qualifying Medical examination given by a District-appointed physician, which includes testing for illegal controlled substances.

Tuberculosis Exam:

Newly hired employees must submit a Mantoux Skin screening and certificate of completion within the past 60 days that indicates freedom from active tuberculosis.

Immigration Reform and Control Act Of 1986:

An Eligibility Verification Form (I‑9) will be required along with the supporting documents listed on the I‑9 form.

We are an equal opportunity and non‑discriminatory employer as mandated by Section 504 of the Office of Civil Rights.