Long-Term Substitute Instructional Assistant Special Education () at Watertown Public Schools

Position:LTS Instructional Assistant 2/23/26 - 5/26/26Department:Special EducationReports to:PrincipalAffiliation:Non-AlignedSalary range:$135.00 per day**This is a temporary Long Term Substitute position expected to run from2/23/26 - 5/26/26**SUMMARY:Watertown Public Schools seeks an outstanding Instructional Assistant to support students with disabilities in accessing their education.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Under direction from the school administration general education teacher special education teacher and related service providers provide needed supports to students during instructional periods as well as non-instructional activitiesMaintain student data as directed by teachers / related service providersFollow and implement behavior support plans as provided by teachers / related service providersProvide overall support to the classroom teacher and student based on the needs of the student and the classroomIncorporate knowledge of student learning styles and child development to assist student learningRecognize when teaching and learning strategies are not successful and seek the guidance of the classroom teacher to adapt assistance accordinglyProvide verbal support prompting redirection and modeling in helping the student(s) access the activities of the curriculumPerform other duties as required.QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. The Superintendent may waive or modify the qualification requirements. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:Flexibility with respect to age groups assignmentsAbility to follow through with directionsExperience working with students at the elementary level who have significant learning and social/emotional needsExperience implementing Behavior Intervention Plans and an understanding of functions of behaviorsMust have experience with or ability to learn ABA methodology and techniquesAbility to take initiative to complete tasks and to assist students with de-escalation techniques and executive functioning skillsAbility to work collaboratively as a part of a teamExperience with or ability to learn to utilize assistive technology and PECS functional communication systems in support of studentsEDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:Bachelors Degree preferredExperience supporting students with disabilities in a public school setting preferredPHYSICAL DEMANDS:Instructional Assistants may be required to supervise students in a variety of settings which requires the ability to stand for extended periods of time. This position may require staff to intervene with students who are in behavioral crisis which requires a normal degree of flexibility; the ability to stand walk run and shuffle for at least several minutes; the ability to kneel on one knee and two knees and then stand up; to bend the trunk at 45 degrees and twist to either side; to grasp firmly; to raise the hands above the head and to learn and correctly demonstrate multi-step physical skills. Instructional Assistants may need to assist students with toileting needs which may require the ability to lift and pivot.SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination and the ability to distinguish color. The employee must be able to read printed matter with or without visual aids. The employee must be able to visually supervise students in small and large group settings as well as vocational or community settings. The employee must be able to communicate effectively with other staff members in order to exchange accurate information.WORK ENVIRONMENT:The noise level in this environment may be quiet to loud depending on the activity and the particular time of the day and location. The activity level in a classroom school and community-based settings is often busy. The employee interacts with other staff members and occasionally must meet multiple demands from several people.The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.Equal Opportunity Employer Watertown Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin pregnancy gender identity sexual orientation marital/civil union status ancestry place of birth age citizenship status veteran status political affiliation genetic information or disability as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation. Key Skills Data Entry,Developmental Disabilities Experience,Behavior Management,Data Collection,Special Education,Personal Injury Law,Special Needs,Experience with Children,Human Resources,Tube Feeding,Word Processing,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1