Physical Support Instructional Assistant

FRUITPORT COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
NOTICE OF INTENT TO EMPLOY
DEPARTMENT: Special Education
LOCATION: Fruitport High School
POSITION: Physical Support Instructional Assistant
QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associates Degree or successful completion of the WorkKeys Assessment.
• Experience with children with disabilities.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Instructional Assistant will provide direct support to a student with significant physical and medical needs to ensure safe access to educational programs, school facilities, and school-related activities. The instructional assistant will work under the supervision of certified staff and collaborates with special education personnel, occupational therapist, physical therapist and administration to implement accommodations, assistive technology supports, and individualized educational programming.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Educational Support

• Assist the student in accessing classroom instruction and educational activities throughout the school day.
• Provide support for note-taking, scribe assignments, organizing materials, and completing classroom tasks as directed by instructional staff.
• Assist with implementation of accommodations and modifications identified in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Support the student's use of assistive technology, including voice-controlled devices, communication systems, computer access tools, and environmental control systems.
• Facilitate participation in classroom discussions, group activities, assessments, and school events.

Mobility and Physical Assistance

• Provide physical assistance with positioning, transfers, and mobility as trained and directed by therapists.
• Assist the student with operation and navigation of a power wheelchair and related equipment, including head-array controls or joy stick when needed.
• Ensure safe access to classrooms, doorways, elevators, cafeterias, restrooms, transportation, and other school environments.
• Accompany and assist the student during transitions throughout the school day.
• Serve as an active member of the student's emergency evacuation team, utilizing approved evacuation equipment, procedures, and supports to ensure the student's safe and timely evacuation during drills and emergency situations.

Personal Care and Health-Related Support

• Provide assistance with feeding and hydration as trained and directed.
• Assist with toileting, catheterization, and personal hygiene needs while maintaining student privacy, dignity, and safety.
• Support implementation of the student's health care plan and assist with medication-related needs in accordance with physician orders, parent/guardian authorization, district procedures, and applicable state regulations.
• Monitor student safety and promptly report concerns to appropriate staff.
• Support pressure relief times

Assistive Technology Support

• Assist the student in accessing and operating assistive technology devices, including: • Sip-and-puff call systems
• Voice-controlled technology
• Computer access systems
• Communication and environmental access devices
• Collaborate with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and technology specialists regarding equipment use and troubleshooting.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with teachers, special education staff, therapists, transportation personnel, and administration to support student success.
• Maintain accurate documentation as required by district procedures.
• Participate in training related to medical procedures, personal care, mobility assistance, assistive technology, and student-specific needs.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to provide physical assistance and personal care support.
• Ability to learn and utilize assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions from educational, medical, and therapeutic staff.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to promoting student independence, dignity, inclusion, and safety.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to assist with transfers, positioning, mobility support, and personal care tasks as required.
• Ability to push and maneuver mobility equipment and assistive devices.
• Ability to accompany the student throughout the school environment and during transportation-related activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students with significant physical disabilities.
• Experience supporting assistive technology and adaptive equipment.

DAYS/HOURS: Monday - Friday, 33.5 hours a week
Internal candidates interested in applying for this position may do so by emailing a letter of interest to ESU Special Education Director, Olivia Zienert.
External candidates may apply online by clicking on the Employment link under the Department tab on our district website at
DATE OF POSTING: August 4, 2026
DATE POSTING ENDS: August 15, 2026
Fruitport Community Schools | 3255 East Pontaluna Rd. | Fruitport, MI 49415 |
The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, military service, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other legally protected basis, and prohibits unlawful discrimination, including harassment and retaliation, in any education program or activity that it operates, including in admission and employment.