Instructional Assistant - LIFE Skills

Job Title

Instructional Assistant (Special

Education:

Self-Contained LIFE)

Non-exempt, hourly employee.

181 days (those days when students are scheduled to attend school)

Per Day: 7 hours per day (not including a 30-minute unpaid duty-free meal break)

The Instructional Assistant is scheduled to work all days when students are scheduled to attend school, depending on which calendar the school follows.

The Instructional Assistant is paid on the "Instructional Assistants" salary schedule for the designated program, level 3, and is eligible for benefits on the "Support Staff" benefits schedule. Starting pay $17.14 per hour.

The Instructional Assistant is supervised by one or more teachers. Instructional Assistants and teachers report to the building Principal or designee.

The Instructional Assistant does not supervise any other employee(s).

Under direct supervision, as a Classroom Instructional Assistant in Special Education, you will play a crucial role in providing support to students with diverse learning needs. Your primary responsibility will be to assist the Special Education teacher in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, fostering the academic and social development of students with disabilities. This role primarily serves in a classroom setting, assisting a Special Education Teacher.

Depending on the students needs, some positions may require physical assistance and flexibility to adapt to changing situations. Work hours align with the school schedule, with occasional school meetings and events. The Instructional Assistant performs related work as directed.

• Student Support:
  • Provide one-on-one or small group assistance to students with special needs, helping them with academic, organization, and communication skills.
  • Assists students in achieving their goals that require physical and emotional support with successfully navigating classroom, cafeteria and school-related experiences as outlined by their IEP and teacher direction.
  • Participate in community based instruction, supporting school and community jobs and skill development.
• Behavioral Support and Safety & Health:
  • Implement behavior management strategies, following Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), to support students emotional and behavioral development.
  • Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times, following established protocols for medical and emergency situations.
  • Receives NCI training in order to promote de-escalation and safety.
  • Assists students with daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, lavatory needs, grooming, medical needs, and personal hygiene as appropriate to individual development. Complies with personal hygiene rules and standard sanitation procedures.
• Assistive Technology:
  Familiarize students with assistive technology tools and aid them in using these devices to enhance their learning and/or communication needs.
• Classroom Preparation:
  Collaborate with the teacher to prepare instructional materials, adapt curriculum, and create a supportive classroom environment.
• Data Tracking:
  • Collect and record data on student progress and behavior, ensuring accurate documentation for IEP progress reports and meetings.
  • Reinforce behaviors that demonstrate students successful achievement and growth of identified goals.
• Inclusion:
  Facilitate the inclusion of students with disabilities into general education classroom activities, ensuring they have equal access to the curriculum.
• Communication:
  Maintain open and effective communication with the teachers and other specialists involved in the students education.
• Professional Development:
  Stay informed about best practices in special education and participate in training opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor or designee.

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.

• Performs related duties as directed.

• Education/Training:
  High School diploma or GED is required; an Associates degree or higher, or at least sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred. (Official transcripts are required to validate education.)
• Experience:
  
  Previous vocational training or work experience with school-age children with special needs is preferred.
• Certifications &/or Licenses:
  Able to meet the requirements of a paraprofessional as outlined in ESSA. Pass the required Expanded Criminal History Check and Expanded Child Protection Index Check. Must have at least an associates degree or two years of college or passed the Para Pro Assessment. Highlander Park offers the Para Pro Assessment at no cost for all Warren Township prospective employees. Testing is offered Monday through Thursday at 9:00 a.m. and…