Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Instructional Assistant, Special Education

Under general supervision, close supervision of a certified teacher, works with individuals or a small group of students identified as disabled under Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in an effort to provide physical, emotional and academic support for them to gain maximum benefit from special education programs. Assists teachers with various classroom activities.

Qualifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent
• At least two years of study (60 semester hours) at an accredited institution of higher education; or
• An associate's degree (or higher); or
• A passing score on the Para Pro or Para Pathways Assessment.

Terms of employment: 8 Hours/185 Days Support Staff Salary Schedule (Grade
8)

Essential functions include:

• Supporting and upholding the mission, vision and strategic goals of Lexington County School District One towards increased outcomes for students.
• Interacting, communicating and collaborating with all stakeholders effectively.
• Establishing a safe, supportive, positive and productive working and learning environment.
• Operating general office and technology equipment needed for daily activities.
• Maintaining confidentiality regarding all employee and student information.
• Participating in all professional meetings and training sessions as required.
• Assisting teacher with primary academic instruction and classroom activities; preparing and disseminating materials for classroom activities.
• Assisting with physical health programs for students including such activities as physical therapy and assisting students with exercise, stretching, walking, etc.
• As appropriate, assisting teacher in the instruction of daily living routines such as personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, moving from room to room, getting on and off of school buses, self-feeding, drinking, etc.
• Assisting with and reinforcing speech therapy lessons.
• Adjusting special equipment for students to use as needed.
• Ensuring the classroom is maintained in a neat and orderly fashion.
• Providing for basic first aid needs of students.
• Assisting with basic computer instruction as appropriate.
• Monitoring and inspecting students' prosthesis, casts, braces, hearing aids, etc. for proper functioning.
• Performing simple errands and tasks for students as needed such as sharpening pencils, carrying lunch trays, etc.
• Assisting teacher in taking students to activities in and out of the school building.
• Effectively using personal computing devices and software applications for the management of pertinent information and communication.

Other skills and abilities include:

• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Lexington County School District One Board policies.
• Must be able to access reliable transportation.
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the school district which pertain to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• Ability to demonstrate proper maintenance, safe operation, and utilization of equipment, materials, and supplies used in daily activities.
• Ability to maintain high standards of accuracy in exercising duties.
• Ability to anticipate work to be completed and to complete work without the need for direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employee and student records and information.
• Ability to interact and communicate in an effective and professional manner with supervisors, co-workers, teachers, students, and the general public.
• Personal computer experience required.
• Strong knowledge of word processing, e-mail, spreadsheets, electronic file management, the internet, and reporting and presentation software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community.
• Ability to speak clearly and concisely both in oral and written communication.
• Ability to apply knowledge and current research and theory.
• Ability to organize and implement a flexible work schedule in order to meet reporting deadlines.
• Ability to self-monitor and manage multiple tasks while working individually and with members of a group.
• Ability to submit all requested reports and documentation in a timely manner and in…