Substitute - Severely Handicapped; SDCI Paraprofessional

Instructional Assistant for Severely Handicapped Students

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students in a classroom or other learning environment for an assigned program; assist teachers with the preparation of instructional materials; assist students in assigned subject areas.

Essential duties include:

• Guide individual or small groups of students in functional academic and vocational skills, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; direct group activities of students as assigned.
• Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, operating equipment and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials; assist in planning and development of learning experience for students.
• Assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans; or progress data. Assist in behavioral charting.
• Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, duplicating instructional material; prepare lunch counts and order supplies as needed.
• Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom and during outdoor activities according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior to teachers according to established guidelines.
• Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer, copier, laminator, television and DVR.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner.
• Assist students with developing positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults.
• Act as a mandated reporter for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the students.
• Provide physical health care services including but not limited to specialized feeding, toilet assistance, health care needs, etc.
• Assist with toileting and personal hygiene.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and abilities include:

• Child guidance principles and practices.
• Basic subjects taught in District schools including arithmetic, reading, writing, grammar and spelling.
• Safe practices in classroom and community outings.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Ability to assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.
• Ability to reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.
• Ability to perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures.
• Ability to operate a variety of office and classroom equipment including a computer.
• Ability to observe health and safety regulations.

Education and experience required include any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above.

Licenses and other requirements include passing a basic skills proficiency exam.

Working conditions include a classroom and outdoor environment with physical demands such as dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer and standard office equipment, sitting or standing for extended periods of time, lifting moderately heavy objects, bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students, seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities, and hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone.