Instructional Assistant Special Education

Instructional Assistant - (Special Education)

Central Massachusetts Collaborative - Worcester, Massachusetts Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: To Be Determined

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:
Instructional Assistant

REPORTS TO:

Director

ACCOUNTABILITY OBJECTIVE:

The Instructional Assistant is an energetic and flexible employee who is eager to work in our therapeutic day school with a high needs population. This position is accountable for providing assistance to the classroom teacher and/or other certified personnel, to support the instruction of all students with moderate to intensive special needs and to facilitate educational access for students who may have significant cognitive, social/emotional, behavioral or daily living skills challenges.

This position contributes to a warm and open atmosphere so that all students will have the opportunity to grow and develop to their fullest potential.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 1. Provide behavioral and learning support, instruction, and monitoring of students with autism and/or social emotional / behavioral needs.
• 2. Assist the classroom teacher by reviewing, correcting and reinforcing lessons with individual and small groups of students in all content areas and other activities associated with the curriculum.
• 3. Assist in preparation and inventory of instructional materials and the setting-up operating and maintenance of various learning aids, and equipment.
• 4. Assist with and/or monitor transitions and activities of daily living.
• 5. Assist in the supervision of breakfast and/or lunch periods and assemblies, and cleaning up of work areas.
• 6. Assist the classroom teacher in clerical work which may include, but not limited to, recording daily attendance, detail history cards, cataloging and filing instructional materials.
• 7. Participate and contribute to weekly, monthly and long-range planning with the classroom teacher for instructional activities such as observing special days and events, field trips and visits and school-wide activities such as health testing, etc.
• 8. Contribute to enrichment activities by sharing special talents and abilities which may include the areas of art, music, cooking, etc., consistent with policies of the CMC.
• 9. Assist the classroom teacher during the work day in fostering greater understanding for assigned students.
• 10. Assist the classroom teacher in the supervision of children at work or play to provide the teacher an opportunity to work with small groups or individuals.
• 11. Serve as the substitute teacher or be the chief source of information and assist any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• 12. Perform duty work (lunch, recess, line, and bus) as assigned by the program director.
• 13. Complete CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention training upon hire and maintain CPI/nonviolent crisis intervention certification.
• 14. Address and handle students with behavioral issues following directions from the teacher; perform de-escalation strategies and physical supports (as a last resort), with non-violent physical restraint strategies.
• 15. Performing duties associated within specialty areas of assignment. This may include those instructional assistants who are assigned to special projects, including grant programs that require specialized training and duties.
• 16. Lift and carry objects and/or classroom equipment, up to 50 pounds.
• 17. Able to reach, grasp and handle objects using upper extremities.
• 18. Demonstrate sound judgments and decisions aligned with school regulations and philosophy and promote a positive school climate that fosters high student expectations and employs appropriate strategies that address multiple learning styles for all students.
• 19. Demonstrate good communication skills and the ability to deal with people in a professional manner in all situations.
• 20. Accompany students on field trips and community-based activities, providing active supervision, behavioral support, and instructional assistance to ensure student safety and access to learning opportunities.
• 21. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1. Experience working with children with special needs.
• 2. High School diploma or the equivalent.
• 3. ABA training and experience preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE:

183 days

WORK HOURS:

Hours per day and additional hours as outlined in the CBA.

SALARY:
Commensurate with experience and degree of…