Educational Assistant, Resource

Reynolds Sd 7•Portland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Provide instructional assistance to students under the direct supervision of a certified teacher. Assist with preparing, conducting, and managing classroom activities, and support students’ educational, health, or language needs depending on the assignment. Support students with disabilities in accessing general education settings and interacting with peers. The role may involve supporting students with a range of needs, including student-specific (1:1) assignments. Duties may include personal care and physical assistance, collecting and sharing behavioral data, implementing teacher-designed social skills instruction and behavior intervention plans, using approved de-escalation and physical intervention techniques, and supporting students’ sensory, communication, and self-regulation needs. The position may also involve implementing individualized health protocols delegated by medical staff, using adaptive equipment and technology, and wearing protective gear as directed. The position is classified as Classified, IIC, and is scheduled for 7.5 hours per day on the 26-27 Educational Assistant Calendar. It reports to the Principal and assigned teacher(s).

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
The equivalent of two years of college (AA degree or 60 credits), or a score of 4 or greater on all three Work Keys assessments, or a passing PARA Pro Test result.
Prior experience working with students.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, mathematics, and a basic understanding of the subjects and conditions in which the assistant provides support.
Ability to type accurately and use word-processing software, office machines, audio-visual equipment, standard office equipment, and instructional equipment.
Knowledge of classroom practices and procedures and school operations.
Ability to maintain a pleasant manner and relate well to students and their requests.
Flexibility and patience when supervising and instructing students with a variety of skill levels.
Understanding of and empathy for students with special needs, and familiarity with techniques for instruction and assistance.
Ability to plan and organize instructional materials.
Ability to work harmoniously with others and communicate appropriately and effectively, verbally and in writing, with students, parents, and staff.
Ability to maintain ethical behavior and confidentiality regarding students and staff.
Ability to complete and demonstrate competency in specialized training provided by professionals, including registered nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, behavioral interventionists, and assistive technologists.
Maintain district-required certifications, such as Crisis Intervention, Medication Administration, First Aid/CPR, and certifications specific to the assignment.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including frequent lifting of up to 10 pounds and possible lifting of more than 50 pounds, and frequent standing, walking, sitting, and bending.
Ability to move freely among classrooms and other supervisory settings, including cafeterias and school grounds, and to work with frequent interruptions while maintaining emotional control under stress.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills; the district’s top languages are Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Somali.
Multicultural and/or bilingual background.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers in instructing and supporting students with varying levels of need, individually or in groups.
Assist teachers in monitoring and documenting student progress and provide input on lesson planning and evaluation.
Perform classroom support tasks such as grading papers and preparing teaching materials.
When bilingual skills are used, provide oral and/or written interpretation and translation for students and their families.
Provide personal care and physical assistance to students with special needs as assigned, including transitions, bathroom needs, wheelchair transitions, movement and lifting, and recording medical and personal care needs.
Collect specific data about student behavior and share observations to support the development of behavior support plans.
Implement teacher- and behavior-support-staff-designed social skills instruction and behavior intervention plans, using crisis prevention and intervention strategies when necessary.
Use district-approved de-escalation and physical intervention techniques when needed in instructional and non-instructional settings.
Provide input into individualized sensory plans and use sensory tools to support students’ self-regulation.
Communicate with students in ways that promote positive behavior, conflict resolution, problem solving, and proactive management of escalating behavior.
Support students’ communication by consistently using methods as instructed by the speech/language pathologist and classroom teacher.
Use adaptive equipment and technology to meet students’ physical, communication, and instructional needs.
Perform health tasks and implement individualized protocols as delegated by medical staff and assigned by the classroom teacher.
Wear protective gear as directed by the classroom teacher, behavior consultant, and/or administrator.
Assist in supervising students in classrooms and other campus settings.
Work effectively with and respond to people from diverse cultures or backgrounds.
Perform other duties as assigned.