Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Cross Categorical Resource

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. Works at elementary, middle, or high school sites.

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 could include: personal hygiene, restroom functions, diapering, etc.; 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 (SATA 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• For Title I schools: Must meet