Special Education Instructional Assistant
Charter Middle School, 835 Stanford Avenue, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
Req #401
Thursday, April 17, 2025
About PLN
Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños provides education and wraparound support, serving over 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in some of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles. PLN fosters pathways to success by striving for excellence in education, family support, and comprehensive social-emotional, and community-based services.
Through early education, TK-8th grade education, youth workforce services, and family and community services Para Los-Niño’s’ model provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children and youth thrive.
Position Overview
The Special Education Assistant in an inclusive setting provides essential support to students with diverse learning needs within a general education environment. Under the supervisor of the Special Education Manager, the Special Education Instructional Assistant supports General Education (GenEd) Teachers and Resource Specialist (RSP) Teachers in fostering an inclusive, positive, and productive learning environment by supporting students with individualized needs, including those with special education requirements. This role involves assisting with educational activities, implementing behavior management strategies, and offering physical, emotional, and academic support to ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.
Duties
- Assist the GenEd and RSP Teachers in developing lesson plans tailored to student needs, and provide feedback based on classroom observations.
- Help implement modifications and adaptations to the classroom environment and curriculum as recommended by the GenEd and RSP Teachers.
- Supports the GenED and RSP Teachers with the implementation of innovative content-focused teaching.
- Assists the GenEd and RSP Teachers in specialized demonstrations or the use of electronic equipment and presentation of materials and methods to reinforce lessons to students.
- Assists special education students in using instructional materials and equipment.
- Assists GenEd and RSP Teachers in maintaining an environment conducive for learning and encouraging appropriate behavior by the students using a consistent team approach.
- Assists GenEd and RSP Teachers in carrying out positive reinforcement procedures and preventative/reactive strategies identified in a behavior support plan.
- Under the Gen Ed and RSP Teachers’ direction, participates in data collection on behaviors as part of behavior support plan development and implementation.
- Assists GenEd and RSP Teachers on field trips by helping students with physical needs, maintaining discipline, and reinforcing learning situations.
- Assists in implementing and assessing student IEP goals.
- Assist students with lifting, carrying, personal hygiene, mobility and structural adaptations and medical needs.
- Toileting training and duties as needed.
- Assists GenEd and RSP Teachers in maintaining discipline and encouraging acceptable behaviors by the students.
- Implements behavior management plan consistent with GenEd and RSP Teacher implementation/instruction.
- Carries out mission, vision, and values established by Para Los Niños’ president/CEO and board of directors, as well as those established by the Charter School.
- Participates regularly in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support professional development opportunities.
- Participate regularly in English Language Development professional development opportunities.
- Participates regularly in professional development opportunities that pertain to specific grade and subject specific collaborative meetings, faculty meetings, and both on- and off-site training.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics
- A minimum of sixty (60) semester units of college education required. Completed Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
- Minimum of three years working with children and/or one year working with children in Special Education.
- Skilled in implementing de-escalation methods to manage challenging situations and support student emotional regulation.
- Knowledge of physical and emotional needs of children at various age levels.
- Knowledge of needs of special education students in both a regular education as well as a special education classroom setting.
- Ability to gain students’ confidence.
- Ability to work harmoniously with students, parents, teachers and staff.
- Ability to act calmly and appropriately in emergencies.
- Ability to understand the crisis cycle and respond appropriately to escalating behaviors.
- Ability to follow instructions.
- Assists in feeding and toileting students with special needs.
- Must possess a valid First-Aid/CPR Certificate issued by a recognized First Aid training program.
- Bilingual (E/S) preferred.
- T.B. clearance, to be renewed every two years.
Physical Requirements
To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
- Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.
- Must be able to speak and hear well.
- Good vision is imperative.
- Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
- Employees will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.
- TB test clearance to be renewed every two years.
- Verification of Immunizations required by the California Department of Health (Pertussis, Measles and Influenza).
This job description does not encompass all essential functions and responsibilities. Para Los Niños reserves the right to modify or add to the typical duties of a position at any time.
Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff
Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:
- Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.
- Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.
- Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.
- Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.
- Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
- Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.
- Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.
- Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
- Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.
- Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.
Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.
Other details
- Job Function Full Time
- Pay Type Hourly
- Min Hiring Rate $23.64
- Max Hiring Rate $29.90
- Required Education Associate Degree
- Charter Middle School, 835 Stanford Avenue, Los Angeles, California, United States of America