Position Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant Location: Nestucca Valley K8 Reports To: Building Principal & Special Programs Director FLSA Status: Nonexempt Salary: Classified Salary Schedule ($18.25 - $21.69 per hour, depending on experience) FTE: 0.875 (7 duty hours per day) PURPOSE: The Special Education Instructional Assistant supports the Teacher in the delivery of an instructional program, through preparation of the classroom and materials in order to assist individual and small groups of students. The Instructional Assistant also supports the planning and delivery of behavioral management and living skill development in a variety of school and life situations. The Instructional Assistant supports and maintains individual student as well as the classroom management while supporting teacher- designed methods and materials with or without direct teacher supervision. This allows the student the opportunity to function autonomously in a school, work, and/or community living environment. The incumbent will provide supervision of student activities in order to ensure that the school maintains a safe and orderly environment.
NATURE & SCOPE: The Special Education Instructional Assistant works with a variety of student with disabilities and/or needs ranging in age from five to fourteen years, in various educational locales such as school environment, specialized classrooms, the community, differing work settings, and on the bus. The incumbent functions independently for significant portions of the day performing work with students and providing supervision, life skills training, and direct instruction under the direction of the Teacher for student with a wide range of disabilities and/or needs. At times this work is under the direct watch of the Teacher, and at other times the work is physically removed from the Teacher. The nature of the work follows established classroom and school procedures as well as District and state regulations. The incumbent interfaces and problem-solves with students, teachers, administrators, department colleagues and parents. The interaction with students can be high-stakes and occasionally hostile or volatile, which requires a significant degree of professional and technical judgement. Because this job involves continuous interaction with students, the position requires a high level of professional decorum, calm, and ability to act as a role model to young people. The incumbent does not have adult supervisory responsibilities, but may provide guidance and assistance to regular or temporary employees, as required.
QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge, Skills, Abilities Required: - Must possess an Associate’s degree, preferably including coursework in working with children in an educational setting.
- In lieu of Item 1 above, must possess both of the following:
- High school diploma or GED, and
- Passing score on a qualifying academic assessment that measures knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Must possess an understanding of child development principles and practices. Training and/or experience in instructional techniques and behavior management and modification, with disabled children and/or adults desired.
- Must be able to communicate effectively with other employees and students using tact, courtesy and good judgment.
- Must be able to collect data and perform basic mathematical functions.
- Must be able to communicate in written and spoken English with accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions.
- Must be able to operate standard office equipment such as computer, word processor, calculator and photocopier.
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Performs some or all of the following tasks under the direction of a licensed teacher. Other duties may be assigned. - Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of public education and in support of the District’s mission.
- Assists in the academic instruction and presentation of instructional materials by individually working with small groups of students, or individual students:
- Reinforcing instruction
- Following up on specific language, spelling, reading, mathematics and other subject- area activities as directed by the Teacher
- Monitoring and overseeing student tasks, practices and assignments in various subjects
- Supports assistance in classroom assignments, homework, and projects.
- Independently implements individual and group behavior plans.
- Provides physical accommodation to students who require it by:
- assisting students in and out of mobility devices.
- lifting students when needed.
- assisting with orthopedic devices.
- applying a specialized medical plan developed by a District Nurse.
- providing assistance that may include feeding, toileting, lifting, pursuing or apprehending, restraining, secluding, providing physical prompts, and any other physical assistance needed for students within specialized programs for all disability types and cultural differences for ages five to fourteen.
- Encourages acceptable student behavior and assists in maintaining classroom discipline. Guides and reinforces student understanding of classroom rules and procedures. Supervises student interaction so that an orderly atmosphere is preserved. Controls aggressive behavior, settles disputes and otherwise encourages cooperative, well-mannered activity. Instructs as to acceptable and appropriate community behavior.
- Assists in guiding students to develop proper emotional control, physical hygiene, and discernment in judging and reacting to social situations; assures appropriate student behavior by coaching students during job performance, demonstrating tasks, monitoring attendance and implementing behavior support plans.
- Provides classroom support to the Teacher by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.
- Confers with teachers concerning lesson plans and materials to meet student needs.
- Supervises a variety of student activities including playground, cafeteria, bus loading, field trips, and other areas where students gather.
- Assists students by answering questions, providing proper examples, and offering general guidance.
- Performs a variety of clerical duties using basic office equipment, computers, word processing software, spreadsheets, classroom software, and classroom computer programs.
- Works with accuracy and attention to detail to meet deadlines.
- Understands and executes oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
- Maintains confidentiality.
- Maintains effective working relationships with other staff members, school personnel, students, and parents. Effectively works and communicates with students, parents, and staff from diverse cultures or backgrounds including those who speak limited or no English.
- Maintain regular and consistent attendance and punctuality.
- Attend in-services and training as required.
- Follow District protocol for reporting absences.
- Annually pass the District’s required online training by the District’s assigned due date.
- Perform physical requirements unaided or with the assistance of reasonable accommodation.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Salary and work year to be according to the current negotiated contract.
EVALUATION: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of Board policy.
WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS: - Establish and maintain a positive and respectful working relationship with students, staff, administration, parents/guardians and community members.
- Work collaboratively and communicate effectively with staff and customers at all organizational levels (listening to others without interrupting, keeping emotions under control, remaining open to others’ ideas and focusing on solving conflicts).
- Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about participants, families and staff.
- Maintain dependable and consistent attendance and punctuality.
- Follow all laws, District policies, rules, regulations, memos, announcements and reasonable requests by proper authority
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The Special Education Instructional Assistant works within the classroom, school, community at large, and other areas where students may congregate. The position requires a high degree of mobility, both indoors and outdoors, while supervising and instructing students, in variable weather conditions including inclement weather.
The incumbent must possess a normal degree of flexibility; the ability to stand, walk, run, and shuffle for long periods of time; to kneel on one and two knees and then stand up; to bend the trunk at 45º and twist to either side; to grasp firmly; to raise the hands above the head; and to learn and correctly demonstrate multi-step physical skills. The incumbent must be able to observe multiple students across large and small physical spaces and attend to individual student’s needs while ensuring that other students are not unattended. The incumbent will need to walk quickly at times, and assume various physical postures associated with instruction and caring for students, including:
- Sitting
- Running
- Pushing and pulling
- Toileting
- Feeding
- Restraining a student
- Lifting up to 75 lbs.
- Bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, reaching
- Speaking and hearing often in a noisy environment
Potential exposures include but are not limited to: blood-borne pathogens; aggressive behavior from students; cold and hot temperatures; and inclement and severe weather. The environment includes working with students who have unique needs. Some students require significant physical assistance, others may demonstrate hostile and violent behaviors. Travel to multiple sites may be required. Occasional attendance at meetings or activities outside of the normal worksite may be required.
Note: This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The school district may add to, modify or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time, as it deems advisable.
The Nestucca Valley School District is an equal opportunity employer and provides services to the public on an equal opportunity basis and does not discriminate in employment or the provision of public services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, citizenship or marital status. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities or individuals with limited proficiency in English. Contact the District Office for assistance.
Reasonable accommodations for the application and interview process will be provided upon request and as required in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities may contact the Human Resources Officer at 503-392-3194 x408 for additional information or assistance. Speech/Hearing impaired persons may contact the district for assistance through the Oregon telecommunications Relay Service at 1-800-735-2900.