Student Support Assistant

The Student Support Assistant (SSA) is a classified, non-exempt position with Element Education.  Under the direct supervision of the Resource Specialist and the Educational Facilitator, the SSA supports and promotes the mission, vision, objectives and policies of Element Education. The SSA is primarily responsible for providing support to students with special needs. 

Essential Functions

Support Student Learning

1. Provide direct individual and/or small-group instruction to students (SAI) to target academic goals according to their IEPs
2. Provide support to students in the group learning environment to target academic, vocational, and behavior goals according to their IEPs
3. Provide support to students in the group learning environment on curriculum accommodations and to support access to the general education curriculum according to their IEP’s
4. Ensure the safety of students including, but not limited to, assisting in conducting emergency drills and cleaning of workspace

Accountability and General Administration

1. Return all correspondence, including phone calls and emails, within a reasonable period of time; Be accessible during business hours and respond to administrative needs and inquiries in a timely manner
2. Attend and participate in all required meetings, trainings, and school functions; Promote and participate in creative exchange of ideas
3. Observe confidentiality

Public Relations

1. Develop positive relationships with parents and general public associated with the organization
2. Communicate and support the school’s mission, policies, and procedures
3. Represent Element Education and its programs in a positive and professional manner
4. Assist with maintaining a positive and effective work environment; Treat all staff with respect, provide opportunities for participation in decision making, and be responsive to the human needs of staff members

Professional and Organizational Development

1. Seek innovative approaches to self-directed learning and formal training
2. Practice reflective observation regularly; Maintain growth mindset
3. In collaboration with the Director of Special Education, plan for own career growth and ongoing professional development
4. Understand and contribute to the Organization’s vision, growth, and development

?       Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

1. Commitment to student learning and success for all students
2. Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education
3. Ability to maintain records as directed by supervisor
4. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
5. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
6. Ability to remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings, as needed
7. Ability to exercise emotional maturity in communicating with students, parents, and colleagues
8. Demonstrate considerable knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office 365 and its’ applications, and DocuSign
9. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
10. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Use appropriate language, tone, and English usage
11. Demonstrate good judgement
12. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships; be approachable and professional
13. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; be self-motivated and well-organized
14. Ability to think strategically and independently
15. Ability to accept responsibility and constructive criticism
16. Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive working environment

Requirements

1. High School Diploma or equivalent

Upon Hire/Offer

1. First Aid/CPR/AED certification
2. Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis (i.e. TB risk assessment, TB test, X-ray, etc.)
3. Successful background clearance

Salary: $14.39 - $22.33

Benefits: Supplemental Insurance; 403(b)/457(b) retirement programs; Accrued PTO 

Work Schedule: 10 months

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, in person, and in the classroom.  Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type, and operate a computer, telephone, general office equipment, and classroom equipment. While in the classroom, the employee is also regularly required to extend arm with upper extremities to write on a whiteboard which may require neck rotation to look back at the class.  The employee must frequently stand and walk throughout the classroom while maneuvering in tight spaces as well as frequently kneel, stoop, or crouch when working with classroom equipment, helping students, etc.  A moderate amount of work is completed on electronic mobile and desktop devices.  The employee will occasionally sit for an extended period of time which is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on forearms, and looking down which requires neck flexion.  It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., occasionally or frequently, depending on the day.  Employee might occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or move materials and classroom furniture to manipulate the classroom layout and be able to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. The employee is required to deal with irate members of the public and stressful situations.

The employee must have reliable transportation and be able to attend meetings at various Element Education regions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position works in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, classrooms, outdoors, home office, Learning Centers, and the Administrative Office, and may experience heat or cold extremes as well as fumes, odors, and dust.  Noise level is moderate to loud.

Element Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.