Special Education Instructional Assistant

Niles Community Schools

Special Education Instructional Assistant

8/26/26

Full-time position for the 26-27 school year


Reports to: Howard-Ellis Principal and Special Education Administrator (or designee)

Niles Community Schools is looking for a dynamic Special Education Instructional Assistant. Highly-effective communication skills and professionalism required for daily interaction with a diverse workforce, student population, building administration and community.

Required Qualifications:

All Instructional Assistant must meet one of the following standards to be considered highly qualified in the state of Michigan:

1. Completed two years of college (60 hours) OR
2. Obtained an Associate's Degree or higher OR
3. Meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through passage of an approved formal state academic assessment in the following areas:

• Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or
• Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

Current State Board of Education Approved Assessments:
• College Board's SAT - Score at least a 480 on evidence-based reading and writing and a 530 on math
• ETS Parapro Assessment - A passing score of 460 is required

Please visit our website - How to Become a Qualified Instructional Assistant for additional information.

Essential Duties (non-prioritized):

• Assist in planning and implementation of educational activities. The Individual Student Aide, as directed by the teacher, will be responsible for the supervision of the student(s) and will direct, assist, and instruct the student(s) as appropriate in a school setting, or Community Based Instruction job sites when applicable
• Effectively participate in meetings, committees, staffings and other required district and building activities
• Supplement instruction by assisting the teacher with individual or small groups of students on follow up activities.
• Manage and instruct students on appropriate behavior using positive behavior support strategies consistent with Board policy and procedures
• Assist teacher in maintaining effective communication and relationships with students, parents, administrators, school personnel and agency representatives
• Assist students in meeting self-help, health and behavior needs including toileting and personal care needs
• Helps maintain instructional area, supplies, equipment and facilities in a clean/safe condition
• Assists teachers and support staff in preparing materials, housekeeping, and record keeping and data collection relative to student performance, as directed by teacher
• Participates in special instructional activities to meet program and student goals (e.g. loading/unloading buses, physical education, swimming, lunch & playground supervision, CBI, transitioning to adult living, fieldtrips, etc.)
• Understand and be aware of medical and physical needs of students and follow medical protocol as directed by a licensed healthcare provider
• Maintain confidentiality of student information (FERPA/HIPPA)
• Carry out responsibilities with little or no prompting
• Assist in managing student behavior
• Monitor students in absence of teacher
• Comply with Medicaid billing when applicable
• Follow the established District policies/procedures regarding student medical concerns, safety, student rights, emergency/disaster plans
• Demonstrate professional behavior in manner and appearance
• Work cooperatively with all building staff
• Demonstrate a positive attitude toward students, parents and staff
• Demonstrate essential technology skills
• Engage in physical management with students in order to maintain a safe environment for students and others
• Promote self-esteem of students
• Assist in materials preparation using classroom and office equipment
• Assist in evaluating academic and behavioral performance of students
• Assist in different work locations as directed
• Regular, timely and predictable attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Other Qualifications:

• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.
• Professional dress is required for this position. Blue jeans, sweat pants, and camo are generally not acceptable dress for the classroom.
• Employment experience working with children.
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) preferred.
• CPR trained preferred

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to maintain composure and function effectively in a noisy, fast-moving environment and assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of students in that environment. The employee engages in physical management with students in order to maintain a safe environment for students and others.

Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes") in its educational programs or activities. The Niles Community Schools Board of Education complies with all federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, or national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (gender) or compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability) may be directed to the Director of Personnel, View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io; all at 1Tyler Street, Niles, MI 49120.