Instructional Assistant III - Severely Handicapped

Job Title

Santa Maria-Bonita School District Instructional Assistant III - Severely Handicapped

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of functions pertaining to the care, instruction, and training of severely handicapped students; perform a variety of routine clerical and supporting activities for instructional and therapy personnel.

Representative duties include assisting instructional and therapy personnel to plan, organize, and conduct instructional, training, and therapy activities with students experiencing various physical and learning handicaps; reinforcing and following up learning and training activities with individual students; monitoring and assisting children in a variety of self-help activities including dressing, feeding and use of bathroom facilities including bath and shower; assisting and aiding students experiencing personal accidents and who have a limited control of body functions;

assisting in the management of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and techniques; observing and controlling behavior of students according to approved procedures; assisting in the shaping of social behavior; supervising and disciplining students according to approved policies and procedures; monitoring and assisting students in drill, practice and study activities; directing students into safe learning activities and functions;

assisting physical therapy personnel in pursuing a prescribed program which may include limb manipulation, body movement, stretching, and swimming instruction as required; assisting in the development of communication skills for students with language and hearing disorders; preparing lessons as directed by the teacher; assisting in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aides; performing routine first aid including emergency treatment of students experiencing seizures or respiratory problems;

administering medication in accordance with specific medical instruction; conferring with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of severely handicapped students; maintaining confidentiality of student records and information according to established guidelines; accompanying mainstreamed students to regular classrooms as assigned; providing instructional assistance; directing student activities as assigned; assisting in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities; accompanying students on field trips as assigned;

assisting students wearing braces and other mechanical apparatus; lifting and moving students as needed; participating in staff meetings, inservice training programs and parent conferences as assigned; performing a variety of routine clerical duties in support of instructional therapy personnel; operating instructional and office equipment; and performing related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics of severely handicapped children; behavior management strategies and techniques, and a variety of reinforcement methods and strategies; problems and concerns of students with special needs; safe practices in classroom activities; basic subjects taught in District schools including arithmetic, reading, writing, grammar, and spelling; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy;

classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct; correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar and vocabulary; methods, techniques, and procedures for lifting and moving children incapable of providing assistance; basic first aid and emergency treatment procedures.

Ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward severely handicapped children; assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment; reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities, communication and behavioral problems; perform clerical duties related to classroom activities; understand and follow oral and written directions; read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies…