Instructional Aide Iii - Special Education

Job Title

Special Education Assistant

Basic Function:
Under the supervision of the principal or designee, responsible for assisting an Education Specialist or other certificated personnel to perform specialized academic instruction (SAI) for students with intensive needs, support student safety, to support a student's medical and behavioral challenges to assist in the development of training and learning activities with children experiencing moderate to severe special needs in learning, communication, and/or physical disabilities or impairments;

assist students in their physical and hygienic needs, which may include providing specialized physical health care services (diapering, toileting, lifting students regularly and other similar duties); perform a variety of routine clerical and supportive activities, and other related work as required.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist certificated personnel in implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students
• Provide SAI to students with intensive needs, individually or in small groups
• Perform a variety of classroom-related clerical work, including keyboarding, sorting, filing, record keeping, including confidential student records and medical information, and copying
• Direct students into safe learning and play activities and functions, and assist in teaching appropriate social behaviors
• Assist in the management of student behavior (including the use of data collection) using positive reinforcement strategies and other appropriate techniques
• Assist in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials geared to the instructional level of students with special needs
• Provide a variety of skill-building activities to students who experience learning challenges
• Operate and assist students in a variety of instructional aids and media, and computer-assisted instruction equipment and software programs
• Perform routine first aid, including aiding students experiencing seizures or respiratory issues
• Observe and monitor students with physical disabilities
• Maintain or assist in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment
• Assist students with their physical and hygienic needs, including specialized physical health care services (diapering, toileting, dressing, feeding, and assisted lifting)
• May administer prescribed medication in accordance with established District procedures
• May provide one-on-one student instruction to support student learning in the general education classroom environment
• Participate in professional development opportunities offered by the department, school site, and District that are held during employee's work hours and work year
• May participate in professional development opportunities outside employee's work hours and work year
• Performs related duties as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities

Required:

• Perform routine clerical tasks and operate a variety of educational and office-related equipment
• Perform instructional tasks and provide assistance in areas such as reading, language, mathematics, and independent living skills
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form
• Handle difficult situations using good judgment
• Prioritize and identify needs and solve problems independently as appropriate

Knowledge of:

• Behavior management strategies and techniques
• Basic first aid techniques
• Subject matter in the areas of mathematics, writing, and reading
• Basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to students with special learning and physical needs
• Equity, access, and inclusion practices as it relates to program participants

Ability to:

• Provide a safe learning environment while working with cognitively and/or physically impaired students
• Make appropriate decisions independently and quickly
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups, particularly those exhibiting specialized learning and physical needs
• Appropriately manage student behavior and guide students to more acceptable social behavior
• Learn to utilize a variety of appropriate instructional…