Instructional Assistant - SAS Academic Upgrading - English

Job Description

GENERAL STATEMENT
Under the direction of the Coordinator of Learning Support, the Instructional Assistant (IA) works both independently, and as part of a team of instructors, co-workers, and community partners, to provide extensive support primarily in the English Help Centre, and to manage the operations of a networked computer learning lab, test writing and learning center. The IA may be the first point of contact in person, verbally, or in writing/on-line for prospective, new and returning students whose reading levels range from basic literacy to post secondary, and whose math backgrounds vary similarly, and whose computer skills vary from none to advanced.

The IA provides assistance and information related to programs, courses, assessments, student services, and college policies; makes every effort to resolve problems, answer questions, and when necessary, refers people to other community and/or college services. These duties are performed in a complex, sometimes high volume and constantly changing student centered learning environment. The Instructional Assistant represents Camosun College, the Student Access Services Department, and the Access English Department and contributes to a positive learning environment for all students.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Provides leadership and support to a diverse student body by reinforcing program objectives and students’ individual learning plans, answering students’ questions, providing guidance, clarification, and/or direction while adapting to individual instructor styles and changing curriculum;

• Responds to a wide range of student inquiries in-person, verbally, or in writing, providing information, advice and guidance and where necessary, refers students to the appropriate Chair, college services, and/or external agencies, using strong interpersonal skills, active listening, empathy, and the ability to articulate clearly and concisely. Ensures all communication (voicemail, email, etc) is checked and replied to daily;

• Liaises with instructors to help identify students with learning disabilities or students who are experiencing extreme anxiety and to ensure clear, consistent and regular communication and information flow between Instructors and Instructional Assistants;

• Administers final and practice tests, including invigilating, providing detailed instructions, performing subjective and objective marking, and maintaining secure and current original test masters;

• Determines if a student is ready to write a test and/or move on to the next assignment by confirming progress, and if necessary, communicating with instructor;

• Provides support and assistance to instructors in facilitating learning centre activities and provides general and administrative support in creating and updating resources and materials and basic correspondence;

• Tutors students in English up to and including the Provincial level under the guidance of instructors, including reinforcing concepts when needed and updating students on material missed;

• Introduces and orients students to the variety of learning materials available to them in the learning centre. This includes but is not limited to: course materials for English, technical guides, resume guides, writing style materials, GED, videos, novels, on-line learning resources and websites;

• Teaches students how to use a PC in a network environment. This includes detailing the operation of hardware: CPU, monitor, keyboard, printer, mouse; and the use of current software applications, Email, English Tutorials, and Typing Tutorials;

• Tutors students in conducting research for a class project, including research, assessment of sources and extraction of information from the internet and incorporating electronic…