Educational Assistant- Instructional Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY

The "Instructional Assistant" provides educational supports through supervision and instruction of students under the direction of licensed staff. Assistance to the licensed teacher is achieved through the planning and implementation of assigned instructional programs for students who are not in categorical programs (e.g. special education, ELL) and completing routine clerical tasks.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience Required: Prior job-related experience, paid or volunteer, with school age children.
• Education Required: Completed associates or higher degree, completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (72 college quarter hours or more) or met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance and First Aid/CPR card.

Knowledge Of And Skill In

• Knowledge of principles of child development and instructional practices.
• Operating standard office equipment as well as computer programs and applications (e.g. email, system applications, word processing, database, spreadsheet, desktop publishing).
• Communicating effectively in English, both verbally and in writing (e.g. correct spelling, grammar and punctuation).
• Reading, interpreting, and applying rules, regulations, and policies.
• Understanding and carrying out verbal and written instructions.
• Rapidly learning methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations.
• Functioning as a self-starter, who works well independently or in a team.
• Planning, prioritizing and completing assignments with minimum supervision.
• Handling multiple projects, and tasks to meet deadlines.
• Interacting with persons of different age groups and cultural backgrounds.

Essential Job Functions

• Works under the guidance and direction of the licensed teacher with access to assistance and consultation and regular monitoring.
• Works collaboratively by assisting teachers in assessment, supporting curriculum, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of student in the school setting.
• Provides instructional support and tutoring to students in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one situations.
• Performs record keeping and basic clerical functions (e.g., scheduling, copying to support teachers in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials).
• Confer with teacher(s) to provide feedback on student performance in their areas of instructional responsibilities.
• Help support students in developing positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults.
• Promote safety of the students through the application of the district's student management and safety guidelines.
• Makes observations of individual students, classroom and/or playground activities for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Recognize an escalating/emergency situation, call for help, and defuse/assist with the situation until help arrives.
• Evaluate situations to take appropriate action and/or direct the situation to the appropriate personnel for resolution.

Other Job Functions

• Cross-trains in a variety of school functions and assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work.
• Maintains classroom equipment, materials, and students' files, records, etc. for the purpose of ensuring availability of items as may be required.
• Administers first aid and medical assistance for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill, and/or injured children.
• Confers, under the supervision of the teacher, with teachers, 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 to share information and/or improving skills and /knowledge.
• Aids in the transportation needs of students, including supervision of students to and from the bus, supervision of loading and unloading of busses, and arranging for the transportation needs of students.

Physical Requirements

• Sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods of time.
• Talk and hear conversations in a potentially noisy environment.
• Use precise control of fingers and hand movement, often in a repetitive motion such as keyboarding; reach for and handle objects.
• Use close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Focus on a computer screen.
• Bend, stoop, kneel and lift and/or move up to 40 pounds may also be required on occasion.

WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS

• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding information relating to staff, students and parents.
• Dress in a professional and appropriate manner for the assignment and the work setting.
• Exercise prudent judgment.
• Follow all District policies and work procedures.
• Utilize the District's electronic systems and applications only as related to the position.
• Participate in required meetings and trainings related to the position.
• If employee is bilingual, interpretation, translating documents, and/or communicating orally in the second language may be requested.
• Cultivate and model a respectful working and learning environment.

Applicants with Culturally Diverse Backgrounds Are Strongly Encouraged to Apply

Applications Must Be Submitted to Frontline Recruiting and Hiring by the Closing Date in Order to Be Considered for the Position

This Employment Is Considered Probationary Pending Return of the Criminal Records Check from the FBI and Oregon State Police Through the Oregon Department of Education