Student Support Associate - Behavior Focus

Student Support Associate - Behavior Focus

Position:
Student Support Associate – Behavior Focus

Location:

Linn‑Mar Community School District, Excelsior Middle School, Marion, Iowa
Position Type:
Full‑time

The Student Support Associate will assist classroom teachers in improving students’ academic and social skills, maintain a safe learning environment, and support the goals outlined in each student’s Individual Education Program (IEP). The Associate will provide specialized assistance to students with diverse needs and help promote inclusive classroom participation.

• Assist students with functional academic programming and small‑group instruction under teacher direction.
• Provide one‑on‑one tutoring and help with assignment completion.
• Support students with personal hygiene, medication administration, and safety procedures, including CPR, first aid, and catheter management.
• Supervise and aid student mobility, adaptive physical education, field trips, and special events.
• Maintain classroom organization and assist with arts, music, physical education, therapy, and recess.
• Enforce classroom rules, apply behavior‑management strategies such as prompting, modeling, and shaping.
• Deliver feedback and reinforcement consistent with the teacher’s behavior‑management plan.
• Keep accurate records of behavioral data, accident reports, and classroom observations.
• Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and the IEP team to review student progress and plan interventions.
• Assist with IEP meetings and related conferences as needed.
• Demonstrate a clear, professional, and positive demeanor to students, families, and colleagues.
• Participate in ongoing professional development related to student and classroom needs.
• Adhere to district policies, safety procedures, and ethical standards.

• Accept and follow instructions and directions.
• Understand and implement appropriate student‑behavior techniques.
• Respond effectively to crisis situations.
• Demonstrate cooperative, collaborative, and inclusive work practices.
• Show mastery of crisis‑prevention intervention (or willingness to receive CPI training).
• Communicate verbally and writtenly with students, families, and staff.
• Maintain professional growth and current certifications (CPR, First Aid, CPI, Mandatory Reporting).
• Support a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment.
• Possess patience, empathy, and a genuine interest in student success.
• Manage time productively and meet deadlines reliably.

• Quality of Work:
  Actively engage in instructional opportunities and encourage positive behavior.
• Work Quantity:
  Demonstrate productivity and take on additional tasks.
• Job Knowledge:
  Exhibit strong understanding of district practices and instructional strategies.
• Problem Solving:
  Propose new ideas and improved methods of task completion.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Work collaboratively, politely, and respectfully with the school community.
• Dependability:
  Remain punctual, consistent, and reliable.
• Professional Appearance:
  Maintain clean, well‑groomed attire.
• Organizational
  
  Skills:
  
  Prioritize tasks and enhance productivity.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Use required computer applications proficiently.
• Communication:
  Convey information accurately and clearly.
• Adaptability:
  Show openness to changes and new technologies.
• Safety:
  Follow health and safety procedures.

When required, supervise special‑needs student(s) and other students throughout the building or playground.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with students is preferred but not required.
• Experience in a school special education department or related area preferred but not required.
• Experience working with behavior and learning‑challenged students.

• CPR certification (adults, children, infants, AED) – preferred.
• First Aid certification – preferred.
• CPI training – preferred.
• Annual Mandatory Reporting for Child/Dependent Adult Abuse.

Must be able to stand constantly, lift up to 80 lb within body restrictions, carry up to 50 lb, maintain personal appearance, tolerate bodily…