INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT – SPECIAL EDUCATION

SALARY:  $14.05 - $17.28 per hour, paid monthly.  Classified Salary Schedule, Range 25.  Initial placement shall be determined according to training and experience; maximum salary placement shall be at mid-range.  These positions are covered by employee selected insurance plan and other fringe benefits such as holidays, vacation and sick leave.

ASSIGNMENT: Six (6) or six and a half (6.5) hours per day, nine (9) months per year positions available at various elementary and secondary sites working with children with Autism, learning disabilities, emotional disabilities, and severe handicaps. Monday through Friday, approximate hours 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

DEFINITION:   Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or groups of students placed in special education programs because of specific learning disabilities, severe emotional and behavioral issues, severely and physically disabled, students with impaired vision, hearing, speech and/or other limiting conditions; perform a variety of clerical and instructional duties in support of the instructional program as required by the disabling/limiting condition of the student and according to established Individual Education Plans (IEPs).

NOTE:  State law requires that applicant selected for the position must complete fingerprint process to check for or verify conviction record.  A record of conviction will not automatically disqualify you from employment, but failure to list convictions may result in disqualification or dismissal.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:  

Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to students in an assigned special education program or other special education assignment.  Provide instructional assistance to individuals or groups of special education students in a special or mainstreamed classroom; Assist and attend to special education students during classroom activities, physical education periods or other activities as assigned. Assist students in understanding and comprehension of classroom assignments; explain errors and answer questions to reinforce the main lesson plans.   Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities, communication and behavioral issues; confer with teachers and administrators concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of special education students.  Assist students with a variety of hygiene and personal care activities; assist students with catheterization, feeding, toileting, dressing, showering, suctioning, pushing/lifting/transferring students in wheelchairs or other activities according to established procedures as assigned.  Assure the health and safety of students by following health, safety and prescribed practices and procedures; assist students with general first aid and medical needs; assist students in emergency and fire drill procedures; assist in maintaining a clean and orderly learning environment. Maintain order and direct group activities of students as assigned; monitor, observe and control behavior of students; report progress and concerns regarding student performance and behavior to the teacher. Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing and duplicating instructional materials, administering and scoring a variety of tests, scoring papers and recording grades; maintain records including attendance, grades and test scores as assigned; maintain the confidentiality of IEP records and information related to students and parents; maintain inventory and requisition materials and supplies as needed. Accompany teachers and students during playground, physical education, field trips and other student related activities as assigned. Participate in staff meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.  Perform related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Education and Experience:  Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and two years of experience working in a special education program or in a classroom.  Requires BA or AA degree, or minimum 48 college level semester units, or pass a certified NCLB examination (weekly exam offered at District Office, must register).

Knowledge and Abilities:  Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to special education students; Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading; Principles and techniques of providing instructional assistance to small groups of individuals in a variety of subject areas; Basic techniques for measuring student progress; Safe practices in classroom and playground activities; Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; Oral and written communication skills; Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy;

Basic personal computer operation; basic record-keeping techniques; appropriate classroom procedures and conduct.   Ability to assist a certificated teacher with instruction to special education students; Work with disabled and emotionally disabled students; assist with the development of students social skills through an integrated program based on individual needs;

Learn instructional techniques appropriate for assigned handicapped/disabled students; Learn and utilize various modes of teaching for students' specialized needs; Follow the lesson plans and make necessary adjustments to facilitate individual student  needs; Learn behavior modification, disciplinary techniques and specialized physical health care needs of students; Demonstrate a patient, understanding and receptive attitude toward children with special needs, including those with disruptive emotional characteristics; Understand and follow oral and written directions; Learn the procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties; Work independently with minimal direction and work confidentially with discretion; communicate effectively with children and adults; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and faculty; Understand and apply rules, regulations, policies and procedures; perform clerical duties such as filing, duplicating and maintaining records.

Licenses and Other Requirements:  Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency.

Physical Abilities:  Seeing to monitor students during classroom activities; hearing and speaking to exchange information and provide assistance to students; bending at the waist; walking and standing for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized equipment or office equipment; ability to perform strenuous physical activities including pushing, lifting and transferring students in wheelchairs.