Instructional Assistant III - Severely Handicapped

Santa Maria-Bonita School District INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT III - SEVERELY HANDICAPPED BASIC FUNCTION

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.

• Assist instructional and therapy personnel to plan, organize, and conduct instructional, training, and therapy activities with students experiencing various physical and learning handicaps
• reinforce and follow up learning and training activities with individual students
• monitor and assist children in a variety of self-help activities including dressing, feeding and use of bathroom facilities including bath and shower
• assist and aid students experiencing personal accidents and who have a limited control of body functions
• assist in the management of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and techniques
• observe and control behavior of students according to approved procedures
• assist in the shaping of social behavior
• supervise and discipline students according to approved policies and procedures
• monitor and assist students in drill, practice and study activities
• direct students into safe learning activities and functions
• assist physical therapy personnel in pursuing a prescribed program which may include limb manipulation, body movement, stretching, and swimming instruction as required
• assist in the development of communication skills for students with language and hearing disorders
• prepare lessons as directed by the teacher
• assist in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aides
• perform routine first aid including emergency treatment of students experiencing seizures or respiratory problems
• administer medication in accordance with specific medical instruction
• confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of severely handicapped students
• maintain confidentiality of student records and information according to established guidelines
• accompany mainstreamed students to regular classrooms as assigned
• provide instructional assistance
• direct student activities as assigned
• assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities
• accompany students on field trips as assigned
• assist students wearing braces and other mechanical apparatus
• lift and move students as needed
• participate in staff meetings, inservice training programs and parent conferences as assigned
• perform a variety of routine clerical duties in support of instructional therapy personnel
• operate instructional and office equipment
• perform 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…