Instructional Assistant - Intensive Mental Health Program

Summary Of Duties

Under direct supervision, as a Classroom Instructional Assistant in Special Education, you will play a crucial role in providing support to students with diverse learning needs. Your primary responsibility will be to assist the Special Education teacher in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, fostering the academic and social development of students with disabilities. This role primarily serves in a classroom setting, assisting a Special Education Teacher. Depending on the students' needs, some positions may require physical assistance and flexibility to adapt to changing situations. Work hours align with the school schedule, with occasional school meetings and events.

Essential Functions

• Student Support: Provide one-on-one or small group assistance to students with special needs, helping them with academic, organization, and communication skills.
• Aids students in achieving their goals that require physical and emotional support, helping them navigate classroom, cafeteria, and school-related experiences as outlined by their IEP and teacher direction.
• Participates in community-based instruction, supporting school and community jobs and skill development.
• Behavioral Support and Safety & Health: Implements behavior management strategies, following Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), to support students' emotional and behavioral development. Ensures the safety and well-being of students at all times, following established protocols for medical and emergency situations.
• Receives NCI training to promote de-escalation and safety. Assists students with daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, lavatory needs, grooming, medical needs, and personal hygiene as appropriate to individual development.
• Complies with personal hygiene rules and standard sanitation procedures.
• Affords students access to assistive technology tools and aids them in using these devices to enhance their learning and/or communication needs.
• Collaborates with the teacher to prepare instructional materials, adapt curriculum, and create a supportive classroom environment.
• Collects and records data on student progress and behavior, ensuring accurate documentation for IEP progress reports and meetings.
• Reinforces behaviors that demonstrate students' successful achievement and growth of identified goals.
• Facilitates the inclusion of students with disabilities into general education classroom activities, ensuring they have equal access to the curriculum.
• Maintains open and effective communication with teachers and other specialists involved in the students' education.
• Participates in professional development to improve skills and knowledge.

Non-Essential Functions

• Performs related duties as directed.

Entry-level Requirements

• Educational Requirement: High School diploma or GED is required; an Associates degree or higher, or at least sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred. (Official transcripts are required to validate education.)
• Experience: Previous vocational training or work experience with school-age children with special needs is preferred.
• Certifications/Licenses: Able to meet the requirements of a paraprofessional as outlined in ESSA. Pass the required Expanded Criminal History Check and Expanded Child Protection Index Check. Must have at least an associates degree or two years of college or passed the ParaPro Assessment. Highlander Park offers the ParaPro Assessment at no cost for all Warren Township prospective employees. Testing is offered Monday through Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. To register for your free assessment, email adulteducation@warren.k12.in.us or call 317-532-3000.
• Other: Ability to perform the essential functions, meet the performance aptitudes, and fulfill the physical/sensory/environmental requirements of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) is required. Understanding of the developmental, physical and emotional behaviors and challenges of students with moderate-to-profound intellectual, physical, and/or emotional disabilities; with demonstrated stress management skills; ability to fulfill the dexterity and physical requirements of the work, and effectively attend to special needs of school age children. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills. Ability to follow IEPs and adapt instructional strategies accordingly. Physical ability to assist students with mobility and personal care needs if necessary. Flexibility.