Instructional Assistant - Special Education (CC2)

Lexington County School District One paraprofessionals must meet one of the following prior to their date of hire: 60 college credit hours, an associate degree or higher, or a passing score on the ParaPro or ParaPathways Assessment (available at ETS.org).

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent
• At least two years of study (60 semester hours) at an accredited institution of higher education; or
• An associate's degree (or higher); or
• A passing score on the ParaPro or ParaPathways Assessment

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must have current government issued identification.

Terms of Employment

• 8 hours per day / 185 days per year
• Support Staff Salary Schedule (Grade 8)

The terms of employment detailed in this job description are based on full-time employment during the school year. Conditions of employment are adjusted for part-time employees or individuals hired for less than an entire school year.

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 Act (IDEA) to provide physical, emotional, and academic support, enabling them to gain 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 toward 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 and essential functions; 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 activities such as physical therapy and assisting students with exercise, stretching, walking, etc.
• Assists teacher in the instruction of daily living routines such as personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, moving from room to room, getting on and off school buses, self-feeding, drinking, etc.
• Assists with and reinforces speech therapy lessons.
• Adjusts special equipment for students to use 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 as needed, such as sharpening pencils, carrying lunch trays, etc.
• Assists teacher in taking students to activities in and out of the school building.
• Effectively uses personal computing devices and software applications for the management of pertinent information and communication.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervises students in classrooms, labs, and other instructional areas as assigned.

Skills

• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Lexington County School District One Board policies.
• Must be able to access reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the school district which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Knowledge of school policies, procedures, and operations.
• Ability to demonstrate proper maintenance, safe operation, and utilization of equipment, materials, and supplies used in daily activities.
• Ability to maintain high standards of accuracy in exercising duties.
• Ability to anticipate work to be completed and complete work without the need for direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employee and student records and information.
• Ability to interact and communicate in an effective and professional manner with supervisors, co-workers, teachers, students, and the general public.
• Personal computer experience required; strong knowledge of word processing, email, spreadsheets, electronic file management, the internet, and reporting and presentation software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely both 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 members of a group.
• Ability to submit all requested reports and documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with scheduled deadlines.
• Ability to work extended hours and manage multiple demands from several people frequently.

Physical Demands

• The employee will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, such as boxes of materials.
• The employee will sometimes push/pull items such as furniture or boxes of materials.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, listen, and/or reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision and distance vision.
• Occasionally, the position requires the employee to work irregular or extended hours.
• Duties require frequent use of a computer monitor and related equipment.

Work Environment

• Conducts duties primarily in a classroom setting with no significant exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Requires ability to conduct duties that demand constant attention working with students and interacting with a variety of adults.
• Occasional travel is required; no overnight travel required.
• The noise level in the work environment varies from quiet to loud depending on the activity.

Evaluation

Performance of this job is evaluated annually according to Board Policy.