Instructional Assistant - Special Education, CCR Special Assignment

About the role

Provides support and assists in coordinating instructional programs relating to special education students and their Individual Education Plans (IEP). Monitors programs with students with disabilities, maintains confidentiality, and complies with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures as they relate to the special education program throughout the district. Maintains an environment conducive to learning.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• For Title I schools: Meet ESSA employment requirements AND have either six documented semester hours of coursework in early childhood education OR two years of work experience in an early childhood setting
• Maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (training provided through WCPSS if needed)

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Apps
• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods
• Working knowledge of general classroom activities and routines
• Ability to protect confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable laws
• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others
• Ability to motivate students
• Ability to constantly monitor and supervise the safety and well-being of students
• Ability to recognize and support students with a variety of backgrounds, abilities, exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing using a variety of communication techniques and tools
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public

Preferred qualifications

• CPR and First Aid certification
• Experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs (individuals with physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disabilities or impairments requiring additional services or accommodations)

Responsibilities

• Provides support and assistance to teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including familiarity with student's IEP; ensures an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthful environment for all students
• Assists teachers with strategies related to the implementation of students' behavioral intervention plans
• Aids teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom procedures, and preparing necessary materials; ensures materials for students are readily available according to the needs of the lesson plan
• Demonstrates professional and technical skills necessary to function effectively in the classroom and to support student achievement and the school program
• Maintains a positive disposition, exercises good judgement, and remains calm when dealing with students at all times
• Provides in-class support while promoting progress towards independence and self-determination for all students
• Assists teachers with implementation of low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices in the classroom to meet both class-wide and individual student needs
• Compiles, maintains, and files reports, records, and other required documents, maintaining confidentiality
• Participates in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment
• Coordinates, assists, and facilitates student transitions between classes; assists students by providing for special health care needs, which may include:
  • Personal hygiene, restroom functions, diapering
  • Mobility assistance including lifting, positioning or transferring student
  • Activities related to seizure control
  • Feeding needs
  • Adaptive equipment needs such as wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetic devices, orthotic devices, hearing aids, braille, assistive listening devices (ADL), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices
  • Behavioral assistance and CPI skills
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Additional duties for Special Assignment Instructional Assistant (SAIA) only

• Assigned to be a one-on-one instructional assistant to a student who has severe to profound learning disabilities
• Attends and successfully completes specialized training, as determined by student's IEP

Work environment

This job operates in a classroom environment and requires sitting and standing throughout the day. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. School can contact the school's Physical Therapist for assistance, if needed, for proper lifting techniques.

Schedule

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends). Workday must not exceed more than 40 hours per week and begins at least 30 minutes prior to the instructional day for students.