The posting
This job posting will remain open until filled. These are regular positions, budgeted for 7.5 hours per day, with a start date of August 26, 2026. Multiple positions may be filled from this posting. Instructional Assistants follow a 188-day work calendar.
Application Process:
Current District Regular Employees:
Submit your interest letter in TalentEd/Applicant Tracking.
External Applicants (including Substitutes and District Coaches):
Complete an electronic TalentEd/Applicant Tracking application. Include the following (all materials need to be
included in your online application packet):
- Letter of interest addressed to Tess Misa, Hood River Valley High School Assistant Principal;
- Current resume;
- Three (3) recent letters of reference;
- Unofficial college transcripts or passing score on the CBEST or equivalent Paraprofessional rigorous knowledge test. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
All materials need to be incorporated and uploaded into your TalentEd application.
Job Purpose Statement: The job of “Instructional Assistant” is done under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed staff member for the purpose of assisting in the instruction and supervision of students. This position may include working in our Structured Learning Center or providing support in classrooms. Instructional Assistants may work 1:1 and/or in small groups on academic and life skills with students with signficant disabilities and needs. Applicants should demonstrate flexibility, patience, and a belief that every learner can grow. Employees in this classification do not supervise others.
Essential Job Functions:
- Assists licensed staff members for the purpose of instructing students, individually and in small groups, by implementing lesson plans, instructional activities; administering tests; teaching library skills; and planning.
- Monitors individual students, classroom and campus activities for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
- Maintains classroom equipment, student’s files, records, etc. for the purpose of ensuring availability of items as may be required.
- Performs limited clerical functions directly related to the instructional assignment for the purpose of instructing students (i.e. preparing materials, instructional records for student files, communication with parent, etc.).
- Maintains regular and appropriate attendance and is on time for assignment(s) for the purpose of meeting the needs of the students and the district.
- Support behavior by de-escalate situations and support students experiencing emotional dysregulation. Uses appropriate strategies and support to maintain student and staff safety. May track and report on behavior to the IEP case manager or behavioral support staff.
Other Job Functions:
- Administers tests for the purpose of assisting licensed staff member in evaluating students’ progress.
- Confers with licensed staff members, parents and/or appropriate community agency personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluation of students’ progress and/or implementing of students’ objectives.
- Participates in various meetings for the purpose of sharing information and/or improving one’s skills/knowledge
- Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities (i.e., small groups, special needs children, computer labs, physical and/or occupational therapy, and/or talented and gifted.)
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
All school employees have some responsibility for supervising students and assisting in maintaining a safe environment. May provide guidance and assistance to regular, temporary, or substitute employees as required. Instructional Assistants do not supervise other employees.
Experience Required: Prior job related experience with school age children.
Education Required:
High school diploma or GED equivalent, plus possess the equivalent of 72 quarter credits of college coursework (equivalent to an Associate's Degree), or have passed the CBEST (California Basic Education Skills Test) or PRAXIS Paraprofessional Assessment. If hired, will need to submit official college transcripts or test results.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities Required:
- Skills to perform instructional activities, communicate with parents, students, staff and community, basic arithmetic calculations, operate standard office equipment, use English in verbal and written form, use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.
- Knowledge of principles of child development and instructional processes.
- Abilities to work as part of an instructional team and be willing to be flexible in working with a wide variety of students and tasks; sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, understand and carry out oral and written instructions, maintain confidentiality of student records, meet schedules and deadlines, read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, policies, rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations. Significant physical abilities include lifting/reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity.
- English/Spanish Bilingual skills preferred.
Required testing:
Any offer of employment made by Hood River County School District to an external candidate is contingent upon satisfactory results of:
- Drug screening tests for any illegal drug or substance classified in Schedules I through V under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C. 811 to 812. This includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, mind-altering substances or narcotic drugs such as hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, or any other illegal drug or controlled substance, except those federally recognized as legally prescribed by a physician and used as directed.
- Post-offer physical abilities assessment.
- Nationwide criminal history verification - a background check for any convictions directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the position. Unless otherwise required by law, only job-related convictions will be considered and will not automatically disqualify the applicant from employment.
- Fingerprint-based nation-wide background clearance.
The salary range listed below is for the 2026/27 school year. Classified employees who pass the District's English/Spanish skills test will receive a 5% hourly pay differential. Instructional Assistants who work 1:1 with students or in the SLC will earn a 2.5% hourly increase.
HOOD RIVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Disabled persons may contact Hood River County School District at 541/387-5016 for additional information or assistance. Speech or hearing-impaired persons may contact Hood River County School District for assistance through the Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 1-800-735-2900.
