MADERA COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS CLASS TITLE: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT-EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED BASIC FUNCTION: Under general supervision, to assist a certificated teacher in the education, training, and supervision of emotionally disturbed students; monitor and report student progress regarding performance and behavior; and perform a variety of clerical duties in support of the instructional program. Employees in this classification receive general supervision from an assigned administrator and work on a day-to-day basis with a certificated teacher within a well-defined framework of policies and procedures. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Assist in supervising students individually or in small groups to promote the learning process, according to approved procedures. Reinforce instruction to students with behavioral problems; confer with teacher concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of emotionally disturbed students. Assist individual students and/or group of students in reading, language, math, and/or other content areas according to instructions and guidance. Assist special education students during classroom and various other activities as directed in order to maintain a safe and effective learning environment. Assist in the implementation of student individual behavior management program under the direction of a teacher, Program Director, or Behavior Intervention Specialist, including charting of behaviors; observe student behavior, deliver positive consequences to encourage desired behavior. Provide emotional support to students; respond in a consistent, calm manner to students’ behavior. May assist students in mainstreamed classes according to established procedures. Prepare instructional materials as directed by the teacher; create or modify materials to assist the learning process; administer assigned testing instruments to assist in developing Individual Education Plans (IEP). Assist with maintaining IEP records and files; attend and participate in IEP meetings as required; contact parents as directed. Supervise activities of students in the classroom, during outdoor activities, and on field trips. Duplicate, assemble, and distribute a variety of instructional and informational materials as assigned. Perform non-instructional duties, such as establishing and maintaining informational and operational records and files, attendance records, lunch counts, and permission slips. Assist in the implementation of school-wide discipline policies. Organize the instructional environment; set up materials for daily activities; maintain neat and orderly instructional areas. Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays, exhibits, and bulletin boards; operate audio-visual equipment and educational training equipment; distribute and collect materials and supplies. Monitor student progress through observation, daily contact, and maintenance of accurate student records. Observe progress and behavior of students and confer with the teacher accordingly. Guide and assist substitute teacher when regularly assigned teacher is absent. May assist certificated staff with computerized attendance monitoring and/or student grades. Attend staff and inservice training meetings. OTHER DUTIES: Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Student behavior management strategies and techniques. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary. Oral and written communication skills. Operation of a computer and assigned software. Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment. Methods of collecting and organizing data and information. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. ABILITY TO: Quickly identify potentially serious behavior patterns and report such occurrences to the appropriate authority. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Work independently with little direction. Meet schedules and timelines. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action. Prepare records and reports related to assigned activities. Plan and organize work. Operate a variety of office equipment, including a computer and assigned software. React calmly under stressful situations and emergencies. React with flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity to changing situations and needs. Interact effectively with students, parents, staff, and the public. Work effectively with a student population. Follow and modify lesson plans to fit individual student needs. Demonstrate a patient, understanding, and receptive attitude toward children with special needs, including those with disruptive emotional characteristics. Work collaboratively in teams and with families. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information. Work effectively with individuals from various ethnic and cultural groups. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Contribute to a positive working environment. May require: Oral bilingual proficiency in a second language as determined by administration. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Indoor and outdoor environment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Perform strenuous physical work in lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, moving, and controlling disabled students and/or their equipment. With proper training, may require physical restraint of a student. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard. Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Seeing to read a variety of materials. Meet the physical requirements necessary to perform assigned duties in a safe and effective manner for self and others.