Instructional Assistant - Special Education SLC

About the Role

Under direct supervision, you will assist the Special Education Teacher and/or the Principal in student supervision and instructional activities. This includes developing academic, social, and independence/self-care skills tailored to the identified needs of students with individualized education programs (IEPs). You will perform routine clerical and other duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Work with students on content material, including assistance with current computer or assistive technology as needed.
• Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assist in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assist with record-keeping procedures to document student academic learning performance, including data collection for behavior tracking.
• Assist with classroom behavioral management (Behavior Support Plans) to minimize disruptions and ensure a safe and orderly classroom.
• Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridors, study halls, and other related areas.
• Support students as needed in various learning settings (general or special education classrooms, field trips, common areas, post-secondary facilities).
• Construct, copy, and distribute educational materials as needed.
• Work with the Special Education Teacher in preparation for parent conferences, IEP meetings, data collection, and other duties as required.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize their ability to participate in school or learning activities, including personal hygiene, feeding, and toileting.
• May assist in the training of other paraprofessionals.
• May support student behavior through appropriate restraint procedures if absolutely necessary for student safety (training will be provided).
• Assist staff or building administration as needed, including clerical assistance and support with other students in general or special education environments.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned, including occasional attendance at extra-curricular activities.

Equipment

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.
• Operate student equipment when applicable (e.g., stander, positioner, harness, wheelchair).

Travel Requirements

Travel between schools or between schools and central offices may be required for certain positions.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students at the level of IEP goals.
• Ability to understand, apply, and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, and others.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to attend additional training if needed.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Ability to safely lift up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• Ability to safely traverse all required spaces within the assigned facility.
• Ability to physically assist students in emergency evacuation and lockdown situations.

Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications include:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of college-level coursework or passing of examination as required by the most recent legislation.
• Prior experience working with children is desirable.