Instructional Assistant (Special Education)/ Paraprofessional

Reports to: Principal/ Administrator / Teacher

Job Description

Under the direction of certificated personnel, the Special Education Instructional Assistant has the responsibility of providing support services to special education students.

Essential Functions

• Accommodates the special needs of students with physical, emotional, behavioral and mental disabilities, providing supplemental services as necessary.
• Assists in the implementation of unique intervention strategies to manage aggressive student behavior.
• Assist the special education teacher in providing students with equal access to district adopted core curriculum in various settings.
• Updates special education teacher regarding student progress.
• Administers first aid and medical assistance to provide appropriate care for the medically fragile student, including toilet needs.
• Participates in daily activities, training sessions and special activities to assist in the implementation of IEP goals.
• Assists in implementing instruction necessary for students to meet IEP goals.
• Communicates with parents by phone as directed by teacher.
• Maintains and monitors effective group and individual student behavior to provide an optimum learning environment, implementing established discipline practice and policy.
• Assists in the evaluation of student performance by administering informal assessments.
• Collects data through assessment or observation on student academic and behavioral progress.
• Writes clear and concise notes to teachers and staff.
• Assists with preparation of, and works with specialized instructional materials, assists with preparation.
• Observes and reports unsafe working conditions.
• Duplicates and assembles instructional materials using office equipment, computer, and audiovisual equipment.
• Provides supervision to special education students during non-instructional periods.
• Maintains required documents, records, and files.
• Maintains inventory of special education books, supplies, and equipment.
• Assists in the maintenance of student files and retrieval of pertinent information.
• Performs other duties as assigned and deemed necessary by the Principal and/or Admin. 
• Follow all guidelines stated in the employee handbook

Qualifications

• Completion of high school or the equivalent.
• 60 semester college credits, AA degree, or higher degree, preferred.
• Ability to be bilingual in Spanish, or other languages (speak, read and write); preferred
• TB Test clearance & Department of Justice finger printing clearance – upon hire
• Understand special needs of disabled students;
• Provide support appropriate to the student's abilities;
• Work independently with students as directed by the teachers;
• Deal appropriately with disruptive and abusive behaviors;
• Recognize and follow procedures when seizure occurs;
• Use proper English, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure;
• Manage student behavior;
• Rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations;
• Read notes, memos and student reports of a moderate complex nature;
• Participate in training session to advance understanding of needs of special education students;
• Perform routine and repetitive tasks;
• Establish and maintain supportive and cooperative environment with school personnel, parents and students;
• Show initiative appropriate for the position when working with students or using materials;
• Understand and carry out oral and written communication;
• Complete tasks/assignments within established timelines;
• Operate personal computer and learn/apply software programs;
• Recognize when there is an unusual condition or situation and have the ability to seek assistance when necessary and appropriate, using good judgment;
• Standing for extended periods of time; bending at the waist to assist students; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to monitor student activities and behavior; dexterity of hands and fingers to demonstrate activities and prepare materials.

Evaluation

The Instructional Assistant will be evaluated by their direct supervisor.  Criteria for the evaluation will be developed by the Personnel Committee based on a concept of ideal fulfillment of the roles and functions of the position.