Special Education Instructional Assistant

About the role

The Special Education Instructional Assistant supports students with special needs under the direction of a certified teacher or administrator. This role involves monitoring, assisting, and providing support to implement the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Responsibilities

• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by student(s) as directed.
• Makes sure students make progress towards independence.
• Monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities.
• Assists students with routine physical and/or personal care not required to be performed by a nurse.
• Monitors and assists students in meeting IEP goals and objectives.
• Carries out emergency action and/or health care plans for designated student(s).
• Assists students with classroom accessibility.
• Prioritizes work assignments appropriately.
• Completes appropriate amount of work in an efficient manner; seeks out additional assignments as time permits.
• Demonstrates support for the organization and its goals; accepts constructive criticism.
• Reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary and mathematics.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Participates in professional development trainings.
• Assists with administering, scoring, and recording of assessments.
• May participate in crisis intervention techniques.
• Works effectively in a team environment.
• Provides general clerical support for the special education program, including typing, filing, making phone calls, scheduling, classroom preparation, and other similar tasks.
• Attends IEP team meetings and staff meetings as directed and/or scheduled.
• Provides weekly classroom coverage for teachers attending IEP team meetings.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 48 college credits, AA degree, or passing one of the following exams (ParaPathways, Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support, or Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support & Instruction).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely in both oral and written form.
• Working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary, and mathematics.
• Willingness to participate in training programs or professional development designed by the principal or central office staff as it pertains to the job function.
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Qualifications

• Associate of Arts Degree
• College level coursework related to child development
• Previous experience working with children in an educational setting
• Experience working with students with disabilities
• Bilingual-Spanish
• Knowledge of American Sign Language
• Knowledge of child development and instructional strategies
• Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs

Skills

• Physical Demands
• Bending, lifting, walking may be required.
• Moving wheelchairs, operating lifting devices and assisting students with self-care needs.
• Able to lift and move a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Ability to assist with physically aggressive behaviors as needed.

Benefits

For more information about employee benefits, please visit: https://www.fcps.org/staff/benefits

Pay

Grade S06: $21.65 per hour starting

Schedule

10-month position (190 days / year), 7 hours per day