4K Inclusion Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Department: Special Services | Reports To: Principal | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

About the role

Under general supervision and close supervision of a certified teacher, works with individuals or a small group of students identified as disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide physical, emotional, and academic support for maximum benefit from special education programs. Assists teachers with various classroom activities.

Responsibilities

• Supports and upholds the mission, vision, and strategic goals of Lexington County School District One towards increased outcomes for students
• Interacts, communicates, and collaborates with all stakeholders effectively
• Establishes a safe, supportive, positive, and productive working and learning environment
• Operates general office and technology equipment needed for daily activities
• Maintains confidentiality regarding all employee and student information
• Participates in all professional meetings and training sessions as required
• Requests and maintains materials needed for daily responsibilities; provides for safe storage and proper use of all tools, equipment, and materials
• Assists teacher with primary academic instruction and classroom activities; prepares and disseminates materials for classroom activities
• Assists with physical health programs for students including physical therapy, exercise, stretching, walking, etc.
• Assists in the instruction of daily living routines such as personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, moving between rooms, bus boarding/exiting, self-feeding, and drinking
• Assists with and reinforces speech therapy lessons
• Adjusts special equipment for students as needed
• Ensures the classroom is maintained in a neat and orderly fashion
• Provides for basic first aid needs of students
• Assists with basic computer instruction as appropriate
• Monitors and inspects students' prosthesis, casts, braces, hearing aids, etc. for proper functioning
• Performs simple errands and tasks for students (e.g., sharpening pencils, carrying lunch trays)
• Assists teacher in taking students to activities in and out of the school building
• Effectively uses personal computing devices and software applications for management of pertinent information and communication
• Supervises students in classrooms, labs, and other instructional areas as assigned
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

Must meet one of the following prior to date of hire:

• 60 college credit hours
• An associate degree or higher
• A passing score on the ParaPro or ParaPathways Assessment (available at ETS.org)

High school graduate or equivalent required. Must have current government-issued identification. Must be able to access reliable transportation.

Skills

• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board policies
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the school district pertaining to the position
• Knowledge of school policies, procedures, and operations
• Ability to demonstrate proper maintenance, safe operation, and utilization of equipment, materials, and supplies
• Ability to maintain high standards of accuracy
• Ability to anticipate work and complete it without direct supervision
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employee and student records and information
• Ability to interact and communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, co-workers, teachers, students, and the public
• Personal computer experience required; strong knowledge of word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, electronic file management, internet, and reporting/presentation software
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely in oral and written communication
• Ability to apply knowledge and current research and theory
• Ability to organize and implement a flexible work schedule to meet reporting deadlines
• Ability to self-monitor and manage multiple tasks while working individually and with a group
• Ability to submit all requested reports and documentation timely and per scheduled deadlines
• Computer literacy required

Pay

Support Staff Salary Schedule (Grade 8)

Schedule

8 hours per day, 185 days per year (full-time during the school year). Conditions adjusted for part-time employees or those hired for less than a full school year. Some extended hours and multiple demands from several people are frequently required.

Physical Demands

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (e.g., boxes of materials)
• Sometimes push/pull items such as furniture or boxes of materials
• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, listen, and reach with hands and arms
• Specific vision abilities: close vision and distance vision
• Occasionally requires irregular or extended hours
• Frequent use of computer monitor and related equipment

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

• Primarily classroom setting with no significant exposure to adverse environmental conditions
• Requires constant attention working with students and interacting with a variety of adults
• Occasional travel required; no overnight travel
• Noise level varies from quiet to loud depending on activity and time of day

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.