Instructional Assistant II - Special Ed (SUBSTITUTE ONLY)

Salary: $26.18 Hourly
Location : Varies, Berkeley, CA
Job Type: Limited-term
Job Number: -SG
Department: Special Education
Opening Date: 09/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Basic Function and Representative Duties
THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH A SUBSTITUTE POOL ONLY
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of a certificated administrator, assist certificated teachers and/or other service providers in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students with special needs; assist in providing learning activities and meeting the special needs of assigned students in areas related to feeding, toileting, positioning, hygiene, motor skills, sensory and physical therapy functions; monitor health conditions. Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of Individual Education Programs; provide routine clerical duties in support of educational program.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Instructional Assistant I-Special Education incumbents provide instructional support to students classified with mild to moderate learning and/or emotional disabilities.
Instructional Assistant II-Special Education incumbents provide instructional support, health and hygiene services and behavior modifications to students classified with mild to moderate or moderate to severe learning and/or emotional disabilities. Incumbents in this class may be trained in specialized health care procedures.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Assist instructional staff and/or other service providers in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students classified with mild to moderate or moderate to severe learning and/or emotional disabilities in a classroom or other learning environment; monitor and reinforce student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; assist with the implementation of Individual Education Programs
• Monitor student health conditions; respond to seizures, respiratory problems and other medical emergencies according to District protocols; prepare related paperwork as appropriate; notify appropriate staff of student health conditions and progress
• Observe, monitor and redirect behavior of students in accordance with grade level, student's ability to understand discipline and approved procedures; utilize approved techniques for responding to students whose behavior may escalate to self-injurious or physically aggressive acts, including spitting, pinching, biting, hair-pulling, kicking and hitting; collect data and monitor progress
• Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework and projects in various subject areas; ensure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, positive attitude and general guidance; confer with instructional staff and/or other service providers concerning adapting lesson plans and materials to meet student needs
• Assist students with personal hygiene including bathing, brushing teeth and grooming as required; assist students with eating activities; toilet students and change diapers and soiled clothing as required
• Monitor and assist students with activities to develop small muscle and eye-hand coordination; assist students in learning gross motor skills such as walking, jumping and climbing; assist students in learning fine motor skills such as reaching, grabbing, folding, cutting and writing
• Perform routine clerical duties in support of educational activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; distribute and collect student assignments, documents and various forms Reinforce concepts and ensure student understanding of assignments and homework instructions; reinforce vocabulary and concepts as necessary; assist students with meeting individual education goals and objectives; collect data and report progress regarding student performance and behavior
• Observe and redirect behavior of students according to approved procedures; monitor and interact with students during outdoor, physical education and other recreational activities as directed; develop incentives as positive reinforcement; reinforce behavior modification techniques determined by the teacher
• Assist with maintaining student records and files related to progress, behavior and assigned activities; prepare mandated time accounting reports and documentation as required; collect data and monitor student progress
• Assist students to perform and develop independent living and self-help skills such as shopping, counting money, cleaning and related activities as assigned; assist students to develop social, vocational and job searching skills as assigned
• Read books to students and observe their reading abilities; assist students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition; assist students with assignments such as reading, writing and mathematics
• Escort students during the regular duty day as assigned to and from designated locations; accompany students on fieldtrips, recreational therapy activities, social events and during outdoor activities; may accompany students to District-sponsored events or recreational functions
• Assist in maintaining the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures
• Assist in maintaining a learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; provide classroom support by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with state and federal mandates
• Operate a variety of office and classroom equipment including a copier, computer and software as appropriate
• Communicate with faculty, staff, administrators and others to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns; answer telephone calls, take messages and provide general class and student information as assigned
• Respond to student medical emergencies according to District protocol and prepare related paperwork as appropriate
• Assist in monitoring, classroom supplies;; assist in ordering and arranging food items as appropriate
OTHER DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned
Knowledge and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Guidance principles and practices related to students with special needs
Basic subjects taught in local schools, including basic and advanced arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, history, science and reading
Basic instructional methods and techniques
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
Challenges and concerns of students with special needs
Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct
Safe practices in classroom and playground activities
Operation of standard office and classroom equipment including a computer
Oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and professionalism
Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques
Serving students with disabilities in full-inclusion settings
ABILITY TO:
Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment
Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students with special needs
Assist in the preparation of instructional materials in support of Individual Education Programs
Perform routine clerical duties including keyboarding, filing and duplicating materials
Understand and relate to students with special needs
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward students with special needs
Read books to students and assist with reading and writing activities
Collect data, monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress
Understand and follow oral and written instructions
Operate standard office and classroom equipment including a computer
Observe health and safety regulations
Prepare routine reports
Education, Experience and Other Requirements
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year experience working with studentsin an organized setting or individuals with special needs.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid first aid and CPR certificates issued by authorized agency preferred
Incumbents must meet requirements specified under the Every Student Succeeds Act
Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read and write in a designated second language
Working Conditions and Additional Information
ENVIRONMENT:
Classroom and other indoor and outdoor learning environments
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
Bending at the waist and/or kneeling to assist students
Lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling students weighing up to 50 pounds and with assistance for over 50 pounds
Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities
Hearing and speaking to exchange information
HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied, assaultive or abusive individuals
Potential physical hazards involved in intervening in fights and other anti-social, and violent behaviors
Exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious diseases
EXAMINATION INFORMATION:
The first step is an application screening to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description.
Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the following two-part examination process:
First Examination: Training and Experience Assessment - Qualifying Pass/Fail
The Training and Experience (T&E) assessment will evaluate each candidate's complete application, including employment history, education, training, and responses to the required supplemental questions. The supplemental questions align with the approved duties and qualifications for the position.
Candidates must receive a Pass rating on the T&E assessment to proceed to the second examination.
Second Examination: 100% of Final Examination Score
Candidates who pass the T&E assessment will be invited to participate in a second examination. The second exam may consist of a written exam, an oral exam, a performance exam, a structured interview (SI), or a qualification appraisal interview (QAI).
The second examination will determine 100% of the candidate's numerical examination score and placement on the eligibility list.
The passing score will be set between 50 and 99, under the direction of the Personnel Director, based on factors specific to the examination and recruitment. Once established, the passing score will be applied uniformly to all candidates.
EXAMINATION WEIGHT
FIRST EXAMINATION: T&E - Qualifying Pass/Fail
SECOND EXAMINATION: 100% of the final examination score
Candidates must pass each examination component to proceed. Candidates who do not pass will be notified of their results and applicable review or appeal rights.
OTHER : Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.
SALARIES : All salaries, as stated, are based on present information and are subject to change. The hiring rate shall be the first step of the schedule, except for classes where recruitment efforts have indicated difficulty in recruiting at that step. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting, and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.
Notification of Non-Discrimination Policy :
The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in district programs and activities. Accordingly, BUSD programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The Board shall promote programs that ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. (Board Policy 0410, Board Policy 1311, Board Policy 4030, Board Policy 5145.3, Board Policy 5145.7)
The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy. (Board Policy 4030)
Complaint forms are available at school sites and on the district webpage at
For inquiries or concerns regarding BUSD nondiscrimination policy or the filing of discrimination complaints, please contact:
Jasmina Viteskic, Director, Civil Rights & Compliance
2020 Bonar Street Room 116, Berkeley, CA 94702
Phone: Email:
More information is available at
SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown and increases are granted at intervals based on satisfactory service.
BENEFITS (FOR PERMANENT EMPLOYEES): Health plans provide for full coverage for employees and family in the area of medical and dental insurance to a negotiated maximum. All employees who work an average regular assignment of less than 5-1/2 hours a day (.72 FTE or less) shall be entitled to health insurance coverage and dental insurance coverage on a pro-rated basis. This position is covered by Social Security and may be eligible for California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), with joint employee and employer paid contributions. Current members of CalPERS working in other California state, county, city, and school districts can transfer retirement service credit to the District. All employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistant Program (EAP). The District also offers various optional benefits including life insurance, short term disability, Vision Service Plan (VSP), and a medical and dependent care flexible spending option.
VACATION: Regular, non-management, District employees shall accrue vacation as follows:
1-3 Years: Ten (10) working days per year until he/she has completed four (4) years of service.
4-9 Years: Fifteen (15) working days per year until he/she has completed ten (10) years of service.
10-14 Years: Twenty (20) working days per year until he/she has completed fifteen (15) years of service.
15+ Years: Twenty-five (25) working days per year.
Regular twelve (12) month employees shall accrue two (2) additional days of vacation per year at each step indicated above.
HOLIDAYS: Annual employees receive seventeen (17) paid holidays per year:
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans' Day
Thanksgiving Holiday (3 Days)
Winter Board Holiday (3 Days)
New Year's Holiday (2 Days)
Martin Luther King's Birthday
Lincoln's Birthday
Washington's Birthday
Spring Board Holiday
Malcolm X's Birthday
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
School Year employees may receive sixteen (17) paid holidays, including all of the above except Independence Day (4th of July).
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Classified employees may also participate in professional development activities to enhance their careers.
HEALTH AND CHARACTER INVESTIGATIONS:
Candidates selected for appointment may be required to pass a medical examination given by a Commission-designated physician to determine physical fitness for District employment. The Commission may disqualify any eligible candidates on the basis of the examining physician's report. The District also conducts a fingerprinting background check for all potential candidates for hire. All convictions must be declared and explained on the application; failure to do so will automatically disqualify the application. Tuberculosis tests must be completed and a negative result must be supplied prior to beginning work.
01
I understand that this recruitment is for substitute work only. Placement on the substitute list does not guarantee an assignment, a minimum number of hours, or appointment to a regular position.

• Yes
• No

02
Are you interested in being considered for substitute work as an Instructional Technician in the After School Program?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you willing to assist students with special learning, physical or emotional needs in a variety of subjects following lesson plans or specialized education plans?

• Yes
• No

04
Are you willing to work with students who may have extreme emotional or behavioral problems.

• Yes
• No

05
Are you willing to assist students requiring specialized personal care procedures (e.g. toileting and diaper changing)?

• Yes
• No

06
Are you willing to work where contact with bodily fluids and strong odors may occur.

• Yes
• No

07
Are you willing to administer first aid to students?

• Yes
• No

08
Are you willing to assist students with personal hygiene?

• Yes
• No

09
Are you willing to individually, or with the assistance of other staff members, lift and position students in and out of wheelchairs, braces and/or other orthopedic equipment?

• Yes
• No

10
Are you willing to correct student work such as writing, spelling, punctuation, and mathematical exercises.

• Yes
• No

11
Are you willing to supervise special needs students during playground activities?

• Yes
• No

12
Are you willing to prepare lunch trays and assist students who are not able to feed themselves?

• Yes
• No

13
Are you willing to clean work areas (e.g. wiping counters, changing areas, etc.) to maintain a sanitary environment.

• Yes
• No

14
Are you willing to accompany and assist students in school related off-campus activities?

• Yes
• No

15
Are you willing to assist students in practicing gross motor skills such as walking, jumping and climbing and fine motor skills such as reaching, grabbing, folding, cutting and writing?

• Yes
• No

16
Are you willing to perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; and distributing and collecting student assignments, documents and various forms?

• Yes
• No

17
This position may involve reinforcement of instruction to individual (one-to-one) or small groups of students. Are you willing to perform work in both capacities?

• Yes
• No

Required Question