DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Office of Classified Personnel Services

Classification: SPECIAL EDUCATION APPLIED BEHAVIOR ASSISTANT     Salary Range:   77

Employment Category:   Classified Bargaining Unit                               FLSA Designation:   Non-Exempt

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, to assist, tutor and train students with special learning needs in a classroom or similar situation as instructed by the District Behavior Specialist or Program Specialist; to assist and train staff; to perform a variety of supportive duties for teachers; and to perform related work as required.

 Essential Job Functions:

• Under supervision, administer one on one Discrete Trial training therapy to students.
• Provide demonstration and instructions to less experienced aides through modeling and/or shadowing techniques.
• Provide information to supervisor concerning student progress.
• Provide information to supervisor concerning aide training progress.
• Conduct probes on student knowledge and report outcome to supervisor.
• Collect data and record anecdotal therapy notes.
• Build, maintain and organize program notebooks as directed by supervisor.
• Implement program modifications.
• Attend clinics, prepare therapy summary, administer drills, review data with supervisor, report concerns, record clinic minutes.
• Attend meetings with District Behavior Specialist or Program Specialist.
• Attend advanced training sessions.
• Train other aides, parents and staff in behavior strategies.

Other Job Functions:

• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities with the approval of assigned supervisor, site principal or director.
• Participates in various meetings for the purpose of receiving and/or providing information.

Essential Job Requirements - Qualifications:

• Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required: Skill to perform basic clerical functions, knowledge of reading, math and spelling at the 12^th grade level; psychology in the care and handling of children; record keeping and record checking; principles of supervision, training, and public relations.  Ability to read, understand and follow written and oral directions; communicate, understand and work effectively with children; implement Discrete trial Therapy techniques in accordance with prescribed procedures; implement social skills training in accordance with the child’s educational plan; be punctual, maintain therapy schedules, and keep children focused on assigned tasks for the specified duration prescribed; establish and maintain effective relationships with students, teachers, District personnel, parents and the public; handle volume, pressure and peak loads effectively; assist in the training of  parents and other staff; operate standard office equipment including use of basic computer applications, use English in verbal and written form, use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling.  Skill in assisting with special health care needs of students.  Ability to understand and address students with special needs, maintain confidentiality of student records, read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, policies, learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations 
  
  

• Education and Training Required: High School graduate or equivalent and at least one (1) year of experience in assisting teachers in a classroom setting; some experience or training in Discrete Trial methodology and therapy administration desirable; minimum of six (6) units in the field of education.  Completion of two (2) years of higher education study OR possession of an Associate’s or higher level degree, OR pass assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics OR reading, writing, and mathematics readiness.
  
  NOTE: Incumbents hired prior to January 8, 2002 will have until January 8, 2006 to comply with the college or assessment requirements.
  
  
• Physical Requirements: Employees in this classification stand, walk, sit use fingers repetitively, use wrists or hands repetitively in a twisting motion or while applying pressure, use both hands simultaneously, have rapid mental/muscular coordination, lift moderately heavy objects; good speaking and hearing abilities; bending at the waist, kneeling and crouching; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; stooping; ascending and descending stairs; sitting for long periods at a desk and in front of a computer. Persons with certain disabilities may be capable of performing the duties of the classification.  Such determination must be made on an individual basis by the District’s medical examiner, taking into consideration the nature of the disability, prosthetic aid and the duties of this position.
  
  
• Work Environment:  Employees in this classification work inside with exposure to minor contagious illnesses (colds, flue, etc.) in direct contact with the   public and other District staff, without guidance from supervisor, with a high volume of work and tight deadlines, continuous changing priorities and interruptions.  May require exposure to extreme weather conditions for moderate periods of time.  May require travel to various school sites.

• Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: 
  • Successful completion of the State-mandated proficiency examination. 
  • Fingerprint/criminal justice clearance.
  • Tuberculosis clearance.
  • Current First Aide and CPR Certificates.
  • Valid California driver’s license.
  • Personal transportation for job-related travel.