DEFINITION:

Under the supervision of the Special Education Program Teacher or Therapist, assist in providing academic, therapeutic, medical and social skills instruction and support to individuals or small groups of severely and physically disabled students, including multi-handicapped, blind, vision impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, other health impaired, or orthopedically impaired students.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

1.  Assist student develop skills in the following domains:  cognitive, communication,       self-help, social, community, vocational, and leisure/recreational

2.   Assist students with personal hygiene and in developing self-help grooming skills, as appropriate, such as dressing and undressing, eating, washing, oral care and toileting assist in changing diapers, as needed; assist students with medication according to established guidelines and procedures

3.    Lift, move and adjust positioning for non-ambulatory students; Lift students onto changing tables or adapted toilets; assist in loading/unloading of students from buses

4.    Provide patient and sensitive care/assistance to physically disabled students

5.    Serve as an escort for students to various locations on school campus

6.    Assist students during classroom activities, lunch, physical education periods, and various other activities, as directed

7.    Provide individual or small group instruction to pupils according to established individual education plans

8.    Instruct pupils in the use of specially adapted computers, augmentative communications devices, specialized software programs and other similar devices, which assist students with motor limitations

9.    Illustrate activities manually or with computer assistance to enhance pupils’ communication skills

10.Assist in programming augmentative devices used by pupils

11.Assist in delivering, setting up, and cleaning computers and devices used in the instructional program

12.Assist in maintaining health and safety of severely and physically handicapped students, including the emotionally and physically fragile, by being aware of environment and the potential hazards of student actions

13.Supervise pupils, in the absence of the classroom teacher

14.Assist the teacher in monitoring the students’ progress by collecting data, charting, keeping anecdotal records, etc., as directed by the special education teacher or program consultant

15.Implement an effective communication system with teachers, administrators, parents and other support staff, as directed by the special education teacher

16.Participate in additional training as designated by supervising staff and/or administration

17.Assume other duties, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

1. Child guidance principles, especially as they relate to students with physical disabilities
2. Computers and specialized equipment used by pupils with physical disabilities
3. Basic subjects taught in District schools, including mathematics, grammar, spelling, language and reading
4. Health and safety regulations and practices
5. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
6. Proper use and positioning of specialized equipment and apparatus used for severely or physically disabled students

Ability to:

1. Demonstrate skill in the application of special education instructional procedures and practices and in the use of computers and specialized equipment used by pupils with motor limitations
2. Communicate effectively and maintain cooperative relationships with the public, parents, and staff
3. Assist with instructional and related activities in a special education learning environment
4. Develop rapport and relate to students with disabilities
5. Perform routine clerical duties such as filing, duplicating and maintaining records
6. Understand and follow oral and written direction
7. Utilize interpersonal relations skills using tact, patience and courtesy
8. Work confidentially with discretion

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

High school graduate or equivalent; some paid or volunteer experience working with children in an educational or child care setting; or any combination of training and experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities.  Incumbents are encouraged to participate in courses, seminars, and workshops in the area of instructional services, as well as specific training in working with students with physical disabilities.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate
2. Follow Universal Precautions Policy
3. Follow Child Abuse Reporting Mandates and Procedures

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

Hours to be determined at time of hire, plus required work days.