Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Salary: $19.04 - $25.03 Hourly
Location : Montebello, CA
Job Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Job Number: 26-05-IASPED-RS
Department: Special Education
Opening Date: 05/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description


This is an Promotional/ Open Competitive recruitment to create an eligibility list for ten or more vacancies. The vacancies for this classification are for students placed in moderate to severe settings, which may include students with Autism or other significant disabilities. Incumbents in this classification may perform duties related to student personal hygiene and grooming needs including toileting, eating, changing diapers and clothes in the event of accidents.
Duration of eligibility list:

Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list that will remain valid for six months from the date of approval by the Personnel Commission.
GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, provides instruction and tutors individuals and small groups of students in assigned special education programs with emotional, physical, behavioral, learning, and mental challenges and/or disabilities in various subject-matter areas to reinforce classroom lessons; observes, monitors, and records student performance and behavior; performs administrative functions in support of classroom activities; and, as assigned, performs related duties.


DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Instructional Assistants - Special Education are responsible for providing, under the guidance and direction of a classroom teacher, instruction and tutoring on various subjects to students in assigned special education programs. Work assigned to an Instructional Assistant - Special Education requires knowledge of various subject areas and familiarity with assignments, including the ability to provide instruction to students with challenges or disabilities in an informative manner. This classification works specifically with students in Special Day Classes (SDC), Mild to Moderate settings, Moderate to Severe settings, in the Resource Specialist Program (RSP), and with students with Autism.

• Instructional Assistants - Special Education are distinguished from Instructional Assistants in that incumbents in the former class are assigned to work with students with special needs.

Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Works with and tutors individual and small groups of students in assigned special education programs in various subject matter areas to reinforce class lessons and assist students in completing class and homework assignments; reads with groups of students; directs the activities of small groups of students; supervises students working in classroom learning centers; and, oversees student computer activities.

2. Observes, monitors, and records student performance and behavior; assesses student learning needs based on performance in individual or group tutoring sessions; meets with teachers to check on student progress, record grades, and clarify assignments; and, confers with teachers on programs and materials to address and meet the needs of students.

3. Oversees student activities and assists in observing, moderating, mitigating, and tempering disruptive or problematic behavior; assists with monitoring student behavior, identifying conflicts, and implementing conflict resolution; assists in keeping students focused and on-track; observes student behavior and reports progress and problems to teaching personnel; implements behavior management plans set by the teacher; supervises students during nutrition breaks and physical education; escorts students, as needed; accompanies classes on field trips and community-based instruction outings to assist in supervising students; and, assists students in entering and exiting school buses.

4. Under teacher direction and guidance, prepares homework assignments and packets according to student needs; distributes and collects papers and supplies; and, assists in providing examination materials to students.
   
   
5. Prepares basic instructional materials for lessons; prepares and modifies handouts and other materials; selects didactic material according to individual educational goals, as directed by teachers; sets up and prepares classroom bulletin boards, work areas, displays and exhibits; records stories and vocabulary on cassette tapes; and, translates educational materials.
   
   
6. Takes attendance and maintains records; and, keeps track of assignments, including grades and test results.
   
   
7. Performs general clerical duties in support of the teachers in the classroom; duplicates and files student materials and records; takes messages for teachers; types correspondences and documents (should not include IEP's); puts documents in binders; organizes filing cabinets; collates and laminates materials; delivers mail; maintains confidential documents; and, ensures there are enough supplies for teachers, staff, and students.
   
   
8. Attends regular staff and in service meetings and may provide translation services for parents and teachers during conferences, meetings, and interviews.
   
   
9. Assists in maintaining a clean and orderly learning environment to ensure the health and safety of students; and, assists in cleaning and organizing the classroom.
   
   
10. Assists students with personal health and hygiene needs, including dressing and eating; and, changing clothes and diapers, when necessary.
    
    
11. As required, implements Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies.

OTHER DUTIES

1. Assists staff and students in filling out ROP and graduation packages.
   
   
2. Assists staff and students in food preparation, cooking, and cleaning.
   
   
3. Assists with the Reading Program for At-Risk Students.
   
   
4. Assists teachers with special projects and programs.
   
   
5. May provide basic first aid to students as needed.

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of :

1. Methods and practices of child guidance, especially as it relates to special education students.
   
   
2. Basic subject matter areas taught in District schools, including mathematics, grammar, spelling, language, and reading.
   
   
3. Procedures and practices of classroom and playground safety.
   
   
4. Conflict resolution methods and techniques.
   
   
5. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
   
   
6. Administrative practices and procedures, including filing and preservation of records.

Ability to :

1. Assist students in developing self-help, social, and daily living skills, including eating, dressing, toileting, and personal health and hygiene.
   
   
2. Recognize individual student learning needs and adapt materials, classwork, and homework assignments to facilitate learning.
   
   
3. Operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
   
   
4. Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibility.
   
   
5. Organize and maintain confidential student files and records.
   
   
6. Communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
   
   
7. Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
   
   
8. Monitor behavior, including assisting, lifting, and lowering students, as needed, and if necessary, counsel and gently restrain students according to approved policies and procedures.

9. Use courtesy, diplomacy, discretion, patience, and tact in dealing with students in challenging, difficult, sensitive, and trying situations.
   
   
10. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District administration, teachers, staff, parents, students, and others encountered in the course of work.

Education, Training, and Experience :

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent; and,

• Paid or volunteer experience working with special education children is desirable.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements :

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 Montebello Unified School District.

If the ESSA requirement is met through possession of the Associate's degree, higher degree, or completion of at least 48 full semester units, proof of education must be provided with the application process.


PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

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

• Primarily works in classroom and playground environments assisting students with emotional, physical, behavioral, learning and mental disabilities.
• Accompanies students on field trips.
• May be subject to physical and/or emotional outbursts by students.
• Work involves sitting, standing, bending, twisting, and walking indoors and outdoors.
• Seeing clearly to monitor student behavior during classroom and outdoor activities.
• Hearing and speaking to provide assistance and information related to classroom assignments and basic communications.
• Assists individually or in groups to accommodate carrying/lifting students of all ages and sizes.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the selection authority to accommodate the limitation.

Examination Information
Examination Information :


After the evaluation of minimum qualifications, examination parts for this recruitment may include, but are not limited to the following: scored supplemental questionnaire, written exam, performance exam, oral appraisal interview, physical ability test, oral presentation, project assignment, etc.


Failure to attach any of the required documents will result in disqualification from this recruitment.
The Personnel Commission reserves the right to change, alter, cancel, add or modify examination parts, as well as weights and dates.
The District offers eligible employees and their dependents medical insurance coverage with benefits as determined by the MUSD Health and Welfare Benefit Committee.


Vision care, Life insurance and EASE (Employee Assistance Services for Education) benefits are provided at no cost to all bargaining unit employees whose regular assignment is less than 4 hours.

Employees eligible for health and welfare benefits shall be allowed to supplement the District's health and welfare contribution to provide full coverage for all health and welfare benefits.

Questions regarding the definition of "eligible employee" should be directed to the Payroll & Benefits Department who can review your particular employment status and advise accordingly of your eligibility for benefits.

Please click for more information or visit the MUSD Benefits website:
01


INSTRUCTIONS: Your responses to the questions below will be reviewed as part of the recruitment process. Applicants are responsible for providing specific examples of relevant experience. You will not be allowed to clarify your experience once the application is submitted and all information will be reviewed as-is. Make sure to attach all required documents. Only documents attached to your application will be used to evaluate your eligibility for this recruitment. Answer the questions truthfully and accurately. Your responses to these questions will be further evaluated in upcoming test parts, and any sign of intentional misinformation or exaggeration will result in disqualification from the recruitment process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with Montebello Unified School District. The job-related questions are intended to identify the candidates who meet and exceed the minimum qualifications. Candidates deemed MOST qualified will be invited to continue in the recruitment process. Type your name below to indicate that you have read and understood the above statement.
02


This classification requires a High School diploma, G.E.D. certificate, or a higher form of education. Do you meet this education requirement? Disclaimer: -Applicants MUST attach proof of the required education to their application. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the recruitment process. -If transcripts are being attached as proof of education, they MUST list a graduation date or a confer date. -Foreign degrees / transcripts must be evaluated for US equivalency in order to be considered valid.-Resumes or referral to a resume in lieu of a response on an application in not acceptable. Applicants submitting illegible or incomplete applications will be disqualified.Failure to attach proof of education following these guidelines will result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

• Yes
• No

03


Do you posses one of the following: an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, higher degree, or 48 college semester units? If yes, please attach proof of one of these education options in order to qualify for the position. Disclaimer: Applicant's that do not possess an Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, higher degree, or 48 college semester units will be required to take the Every Student Succeeds Examination (Reading, Writing, Mathematics) in order to qualify for the position. Failure to attach proof of education for the position will result in disqualification from the recruitment process.

• Yes
• No

04


Paid or volunteer experience working with special education children is desirable for this classification.Do you have paid or volunteer experience working with special education children?

• Yes
• No

05


Are you bilingual in Spanish/English Translation?

• Yes
• No

06



WILLINGNESS QUESTIONS: Employees in this position MUST be willing to perform ALL of the required tasks listed in questions 6-10, and be able to work under the following conditions. If you are unwilling to do any of these tasks, you will be disqualified from further hiring consideration or, if hired, will be immediately terminated from employment. INSTRUCTIONS: For each duty listed below, check Yes if you are willing to perform this duty, and No if you are not willing. Your response below indicates that you are willing and able to perform the duties that you checked Yes if you are hired.If you select no for any of the willingness questions, you will not be considered for this recruitment process.Do you understand these instructions?

• Yes
• No

07


Are you willing to lift students on and off the bus, on and off the toilet, and in and out of a wheelchair?

• Yes
• No

08


Are you willing to assist students with hand washing, eating, and toileting (including diapering)?

• Yes
• No

09


Are you willing to work where contact with bodily fluids and strong odors may occur?

• Yes
• No

10


Are you willing to assist students in dressing, undressing, and personal grooming as needed?

• Yes
• No

11


Are you willing to maintain clean work areas (e.g. wiping counters, changing areas, etc.) to maintain a sanitary environment?

• Yes
• No

12


Which of the following statements best describes your work experience working tutoring individual and small groups of students in assigned special education programs in various subject matter areas to reinforce class lessons and assist students in completing class and homework assignments.

• I have limited or no background in this activity.
• I have done parts of this under others' direction.
• I have done this independently, but only occasionally.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have extensive experience performing this job duty at the highest level of complexity.

13


Which of the following statements best describes your experience observing and monitoring children or students with special needs?

• I have limited or no background in this activity.
• I have done parts of this under others' direction.
• I have done this independently, but only occasionally.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have extensive experience performing this job duty at the highest level of complexity.

14


Which of the following statements best describes your work experience overseeing student/children activities and assisting in observing, moderating, mitigating, and tempering disruptive or problematic behavior?

• I have limited or no background in this activity.
• I have done parts of this under others' direction.
• I have done this independently, but only occasionally.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have extensive experience performing this job duty at the highest level of complexity.

15


Which of the following statements best describes your experience assisting in maintaining a clean and orderly learning environment to ensure the health and safety of students?

• I have limited or no background in this activity.
• I have done parts of this under others' direction.
• I have done this independently, but only occasionally.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have extensive experience performing this job duty at the highest level of complexity.

16


Which of the following statements best describes your experience assisting with children/student personal hygiene and grooming needs including toileting, eating, changing diapers and clothes in the event of accidents?

• I have limited or no background in this activity.
• I have done parts of this under others' direction.
• I have done this independently, but only occasionally.
• I have done this as a regular part of my job duties.
• I have extensive experience performing this job duty at the highest level of complexity.

17


Please describe your paid or volunteer experience working with special education children. Make sure to include the name(s) of your supervisor(s) at the time and contact information. If you do not have such related experience, please type "N/A".
18


Did you attach all the required documents to your application? This includes proof of high school diploma Failure to attach any of the required documents will result in an automatic disqualification.

• Yes
• No

19


I affirm with my name below that my responses to the above questions on the attached pages are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that falsified information, or failure to attach any required document and responses with my Montebello Unified School District Application, will be cause for disqualification.
Required Question