Temp: Support Assistant (TSA) - Meade High

Job Description

Under the direction of the supervising teacher or administrator, Temporary Support Assistants (TSA) assist teachers with the physical, emotional, behavioral, and instructional needs of students at the Preschool/Pre‑K, elementary, and secondary grade levels. Supervision of students throughout the school day, both in the school building and on work sites, includes carrying out instructional tasks, supporting self‑care, and collecting data as outlined by professional staff based upon individual student objectives.

Employees must be able to perform any and all of the listed duties individually or independently, which may vary based on their work location/assignment and available staffing.

• Participate in routine supervision of students throughout the school day within the building and/or worksite/community environment, including assisting on/off bus, lifting, pushing students in equipment, and monitoring entry and exit to ensure correct location.
• Assist students with performing and developing proper social behavior, personal hygiene, and self‑help skills, including toileting (e.g., changing diapers and soiled clothing), feeding, grooming as assigned during the school day or at off‑site locations.
• Support students during instruction and other curriculum tasks, reinforcing subjects introduced by the teacher in one‑on‑one or small groups, and implement instructional plans and activities as designated by the job coach and/or teacher. Provide reinforcement techniques to keep students focused and on task.
• Observe and manage student behavior in the classroom, lunch areas, playground, and other learning environments according to approved procedures.
• Observe and gather data regarding student performance on instructional and behavioral goals and provide data collection to the supervising teacher.
• Support students with social, emotional, and behavioral concerns, including implementation of behavior strategies and supports.
• Follow AACPS policies and procedures while assisting students and staff in the building and on‑site work training activities and/or community‑based settings.
• Participate in professional development; attend workshops and in‑service training for all specialized related care needs, seizures, disruptive behavior, etc. as provided by the Board of Education.
• Perform other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required.
• Preferred:
  Formal academic courses/training in the field of child development with specific applications to the area of special education.

Experience

• None required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to exercise considerable patience and to work with physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or multiple disabled students.
• Punctual, regular, and predictable attendance essential.
• Ability to employ a variety of teaching styles to respond to diverse learner needs.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Proficiency with business technology applications (e.g., Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint) preferred.

• Hold or be eligible for a Driver’s License (DL) Class C Non‑Commercial issued by Maryland or State of Legal Residence (MVA/DMV) required; and daily access to reliable transportation.

• Driving required to conduct bona fide Board business within the scope of employment.
• Personal vehicle required.

• Standing: under 1/3 of the time.
• Walking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Keyboarding: under 1/3 of the time.
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• Driving: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.
• As required by duties and responsibilities.

• No special vision requirements.
• Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 of the time.
• Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.