Senior Instructional Assistant - Behavior

Salary: $23.15 - $28.19 Hourly
Location : Downey, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 000386 - 2026
Department: DUSD
Opening Date: 07/01/2025
Closing Date: 6/30/2026 4:30 PM Pacific


SELECTION PROCEDURES
Only online applications and required CPR and First Aid Certificates (American Red Cross or American Heart Association only) will be accepted:

This is a Promotional and Open recruitment to establish an eligibility list, fill vacancies, and hire substitutes. Substitutes work on an as-needed basis to fill in for absent employees. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list. In a promotional and open recruitment, the promotional list shall take precedence. When the promotional list contains fewer than three eligible and willing employees, certification of additional ranks shall then be made from the open list.Positions in this classification are part-time, 25 - 32.50 hours per week, 10 months per year.
The recruitment process will consist of a written and/or an oral technical interview. Testing may occur on a weekly basis. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.
Recruitment will close without warning when sufficient applications have been received.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, TITLE IX, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice.

BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher or specialist in providing instructional support to individuals or small groups of students with disabilities in a Special Education program; provide behavioral support to students with challenging behaviors, collect behavioral data, implement behavior intervention plans, utilize behavioral strategies to support student progress toward Individual Education Program (IEP) goals, monitor, redirect and de-escalate students during behavioral emergencies; assist in meeting specific student needs which may include feeding and toileting students; and perform a variety of instructional, behavioral, and clerical duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Senior Instructional Assistant-Behavior staff work with children with significant behavioral needs. Senior Instructional Assistant Behavior staff use behavioral intervention strategies to, redirect, form and modify challenging behaviors and they teach and reinforce new behaviors. They work within special education programs that work toward increasing the students' academic, social-emotional, adaptive, and vocational independence by focusing on their behavioral needs.

FUNCTION & DUTIES


Collect behavioral data, conduct observations, monitor progress,and record behavioral incidents of students with disabilities according to approved District procedures; report academic, behavioral, vocational, social-emotional, and daily living skills progress toward IEP goals. E


Utilizeevidence-based behavior management strategies to redirect and reduce challenging behaviors and teach and reinforce pro-social behaviors. E


Provide instructional support to individuals or small groups of students with disabilities, reinforcing the instruction as provided by the teacher. E


Monitor progress and provide assistance to students in prescribed learning activities during classroom instruction or related services. E


Utilize and implement basic digitized instructional programs and applications for student learning and/or progress monitoring, and utilize the District's Learning Management System to support the students' instructional program. E

Collectbehavioral data and maintain behavioral records on the implementation of behavior intervention plans and student progress on behavioral goals with fidelity. E


When necessary, and with the support of the classroom team, use Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Intervention strategies to prevent and/or de-escalate behavioral emergencies; reducing risk of injury and enhancing the safety of the students and staff. E


Collaborate with and support teachers to ensure the appropriate strategies are utilized, the needed programs are implemented, and necessary materials are developed to meet student needs. E


Assure the health, safety, and well-being of students by following District established health and safety practices and regulations. E

Provide students with disabilities with the necessary instructional supports to acquire the necessary self-help skills to maximize their independence. Assist students with learning personal hygiene; wash hands and faces; monitor individual toilet training schedules; toilet students and change diapers; change clothing as needed. E


Administer first aid and CPR as needed to students with chronic and acute medical problems. E


Provide support to the classroom teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment, and distributing and collecting paper and supplies. E


Perform routine custodial duties to maintain assigned facility in a clean and sanitary condition. E


Supervise and direct students at all times including lunch time, group activities, field trips, on the playground, and when mainstreamed into another class as needed; supervise the loading and unloading of students on school buses as assigned. E


Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.


Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES


KNOWLEDGE OF:
Behavior intervention strategies including, but not limited to, NonviolentCrisis Prevention Intervention approaches, applied behavior analysis (e.g, systematic prompting with fading, reinforcement systems), positive behavior intervention plans, and communication-based strategies.
Basic child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities.
Reading, writing, and mathematics.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
Basic classroom management strategies.
Basic instructional strategies.
Basic record-keeping techniques.
Behavioral data collection and management.
First Aid and CPR procedures.

ABILITY TO:
Use appropriate interpersonal relations using tact, patience and courtesy.
Demonstrate empathy, friendliness, patience and responsibility.
Work collaboratively with the classroom teacher and school staff to support students' academic, behavioral, vocational, social-emotional, and self-help learning.
Communicate effectively, in a positive manner, with all staff, students, and families.
Implement behavior management strategies used with students with disabilities.
Implement strategies learned in District provided trainings.
Assist with all aspects of the instructional programs and related services in Special Education. Assist with developing instructional materials for classroom and student use.
Understand the developmental needs of student's disabilities.
Develop rapport with students that are unique and have diverse needs.
Perform routine clerical duties such as filing, creating and maintaining records.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Read and follow District and school rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and professional expectations.
Work cooperatively with others.
Maintain confidentially of sensitive and privileged information.
Operate instructional and office equipment.
Work in a stressful environment and respond quickly when behavioral emergencies occur.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Any combination equivalent to: Graduation from high school and one year of experience working with students in an instructional setting, or graduation from high school, completion of the Downey Unified School District Training Our Paraeducators for Success (TOPS) Program and six months experience working with children in an instructional setting. One year's experience with behavioral data collection preferred. Training in implementing behavior analysis techniques is highly desirable.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid First Aid and CPR Certificates issued by an authorized agency, as well as meeting requirements to keep certificates current. Some positions in this class may be required to speak, read, and write in a second designated language. Senior Instructional Assistants - Behavior who assist in classroom instruction must meet the education and experience requirement and the following requirements as set forth in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA):
Must pass assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing and mathematics OR reading, writing, and mathematic readiness OR, may meet requirements with completion of two years of higher education study OR possession of an Associate's or higher-level degree in the field of education, or related field of study.
All candidates must meet the state Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirement for this position. This can be met one of three ways:
1. Possession of an associate's degree or higher
2. Completion of at least 48 full semester units at an accredited college or university
3. Taking and passing the ESSA exam administered by Downey Unified School District
If you meet the ESSA requirement through possession of the associate's degree or higher or have completed at least 48 full semester units, please attach a copy of your degree or college level transcripts to your application.
ENVIRONMENT:
Special education, computer-assisted learning, or classroom environment.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Seeing to monitor student behavior during classroom activities, hearing and speaking to provide assistance and information related to classroom assignments, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer, audio-visual and other educational training equipment, bending at the waist, kneeling, and standing and walking for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling students weighing up to 40 lbs. unassisted, and over 40 lbs. with assistance.

HAZARDS:
Aggressive behavior of students and emergency situations. May be subject to physical and emotional outbursts by students, including such behaviors as kicking, spitting, scratching and biting.
Part-time Employees earn up to:

• 1 paid vacation day per 1 full month of employment
  
  
  
• 1 paid sick leave day per 1 full month of employment with unlimited accumulation

• and paid holidays

The District offers two excellent medical plans, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente ; two dental plans, Delta Dental and MetLife SafeGuard ; and vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP). All plans are available to the employee and their dependents. This coverage is available to employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan.
Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union.
Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits.
01


The information you provide on the general and supplemental applications will be used to evaluate whether you meet the minimum requirements for this position. All experience, education, training, and certification must be included in your application in order to be considered. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Supplemental questions that are not answered fully and completely will be considered incomplete and may cause you to not be considered further in the recruitment process. All experience mentioned in the Supplemental Questions must also be included in the Work Experience section of the application in order to be considered complete. Resumes are not required or reviewed during the application process; therefore, you must ensure the application is complete.
Did you read and understand this information?

• Yes
• No

02


This position requires any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and one (1) year of experience working with students in an instructional setting, OR graduation from high school, completion of the Downey Unified School District Training Our Para-educators for Success (TOPS) Program and six months' experience working with children in an organized setting.Please indicate below how you are meeting this requirement by checking the appropriate box:

• OPTION A. I am meeting this requirement by graduation from high school and one (1) year of experience working with students in an instructional setting.
• OPTION B. I am meeting this requirement by graduation from high school, completion of the Downey Unified School District Training Our Para-Educators for Success (TOPS) Program and six months' experience working with children in an organized setting. IF YOU CHOOSE THIS OPTION, YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR TOPS PROGRAM CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION TO YOUR APPLICATION. IF YOU FAIL TO DO SO, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

03


What is the highest level of education you have completed?

You MUST attach proof of the highest degree (diploma or official transcripts) you have earned, or your application may be disqualified.

• Less than High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Some college coursework
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctorate Degree

04


All candidates must meet the state Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirement for this position.


This can be met one of three ways:

• Possession of an associate's degree (higher) at an accredited college or university;
• Completion of 48 full semester units earned at an accredited college or university;
• By taking and passing the ESSA exam.

If you meet the ESSA requirement as listed above, please attach a copy of your degree or college level official transcripts to your application.

If you do not attach proof of your education, you will be scheduled to take the ESSA exam.

Please indicate below how you are meeting the ESSA requirement:

• I have completed an associate's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• I have completed at least 48 full semester units at an accredited college or university.
• I will need to take and pass the ESSA exam administered by Downey Unified School District.

05


Do you possess a valid CPR certificate issued by American Red Cross or American Heart Association? If so, you must upload this certificate as an attachment to your application. IF YOU DO NOT POSSESS A CURRENT CERTIFICATE, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

• Yes - I have a current, valid CPR Certificate.
• No - I do not have a current, valid CPR Certificate.

06


Do you possess a valid First Aid certificate issued by American Red Cross or American Heart Association? If so, you must upload this certificate as an attachment to your application. IF YOU DO NOT POSSESS A CURRENT CERTIFICATE, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

• Yes - I have a current, valid First Aid Certificate.
• No - I do not have a current, valid First Aid Certificate.

07


What is your level of proficiency in knowledge of behavior intervention strategies?

• None
• Beginner
• Proficient

08


What is your level of proficiency in knowledge of child guidance principles as they related to students with learning disabilities, developmental delays and autistic behavior?

• None
• Beginner
• Proficient

09


What is your level of proficiency in experience monitoring and observing student behavior?

• None
• Beginner
• Proficient

10


What is your level of proficiency in experience taking behavior data?

• None
• Beginner
• Proficient

11


This section of the supplemental application form is designed so you can indicate which of the tasks below you are willing to do. Respond below and indicate whether you will do or will not do the task. Please keep in mind that all of the tasks listed below are required of the position. If you are not willing to do any of the tasks listed below, your application will not be considered.

Did you read and understand these instructions?

• Yes
• No

12


Work with students who may have extreme emotional or behavior problems.

• Will do
• Will not do

13


Assist students in personal grooming as needed, including but not limited to washing hands and faces of students.

• Will do
• Will not do

14


Change students clothing as needed, toilet students and change diapers. (preschool - adult students)

• Will do
• Will not do

15


Administer CPR and First Aid to students.

• Will do
• Will not do

16


Assist students with special learning, physical or emotional needs in a variety of subjects following lesson plans and Individual Education Programs (IEPs).

• Will do
• Will not do

17


Perform a variety of classroom clerical work such as filing, keeping accurate records, and operating instructional/office equipment.

• Will do
• Will not do

18


Participate in meetings and in-service training programs.

• Will do
• Will not do

19


Perform routine custodial duties to maintain facility in a clean and sanitary condition.

• Will do
• Will not do

20


We are also looking to obtain substitutes in this classification. Following is information regarding substitute positions:

• Substitute employees are not entitled to benefits, such as, holiday pay, vacation, or insurance.
• Substitute employees DO NOT automatically become regular employees.

Would you be interested in being considered for substitute positions as well as regular positions?

• Yes
• No

21


CERTIFICATIONBy typing your name below, I hereby certify that all statements made in this supplemental application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge, and that any misstatement of material facts will subject me to disqualification or dismissal.
Required Question