Instructional Assistant - Emotional/Learning Support

29 hours per week, 10-month position under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between East Penn School District and Administrative Assistant and Instructional/Staff Assistant Employees. Non-exempt status.

About the Role

An Instructional Assistant supports and assists the academic or physical needs of students with special needs in instructional programs and services. This includes one-on-one or group review of material taught by certificated staff, classroom management, and implementation of positive behavior support plans.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Must acquire and maintain a current and active CPR and basic first aid certification
• Must meet one of the following requirements:
  • Completed at least two (2) years of post-secondary study
  • Possess an associate degree or higher
  • Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a State or local assessment
  • Hold a "Para Educator Credential of Competency" as issued by PDE
• Experience working in an educational setting (preferred)

Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including spelling, grammar, and composition
• Ability to effectively communicate with students, staff, parents, and administrators
• Ability to build and maintain working relationships and positive rapport with students, staff, parents, and administrators
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Ability to attend work regularly and maintain assigned work hours
• Proficiency in using technological equipment and software to support student learning
• Ability to use technology to communicate with students, parents, staff, and administrators
• Ability to carry out assigned tasks with limited supervision
• Basic familiarity with adaptive and/or medical equipment as required for individual students
• Understanding and compliance with confidentiality protocols
• Foundational knowledge of special education
• Understanding of diversity related to disability, learning styles, and cultures
• Understanding of instructional delivery processes and learning environments
• Understanding of social interactions and assessment components in educational settings
• Commitment to professional and ethical practice, demonstrated by fairness and impartiality
• Ability to collaborate effectively
• Basic clerical and computer skills
• Ability to maintain discipline of students in all school settings
• Knowledge of basic office machinery operation

Responsibilities

• Work with individuals or groups as directed by the classroom teacher to reinforce skill development
• Monitor or direct activities for individual students, pairs, or groups as assigned
• Monitor and tend to the physical needs of students as required
• Supervise students in all school settings, including cafeteria, hallways, library, classrooms, study halls, and on/off buses
• Complete clerical duties such as copying, assembling, laminating, and answering phones as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or building administrator
• Provide a safe, secure, and positive educational environment through appropriate student supervision and intervention
• Assist individual students or groups to reinforce educational skill development as required by the IEP or School District, including academic content areas and/or daily living skills
• Use strategies and follow protocols for behavior management to meet the unique needs of each student as required by IEP and/or employer
• Prepare, adapt, and modify educational materials and supplies to enhance student understanding and learning
• Attend and complete all required staff development trainings and meetings
• Practice appropriate hygienic precautions for students, self, and the work environment
• Complete 20 hours of staff development activities related to the assignment annually between July 1st and June 30th, in accordance with Chapter 14
• Demonstrate ability to work with school-age students

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, lift, reach, communicate (vision, hearing, and speech), and carry sufficient weight to safely and effectively perform duties
• Ability to independently ambulate in and around school buildings and office areas
• Ability to travel to and from assigned work locations without employer support
• Ability to independently read, write, speak, and comprehend English
• Ability to lift, position, transport, and maneuver students as needed
• Ability to physically restrain students in accordance with District protocols