CK: Floating Special Education Assistant (Cognitively Impaired), up to 7.0 hrs/day

Traverse City Area Public Schools•Traverse City, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Floating Special Education Assistant provides assistance to cognitively impaired students in the classroom and throughout the school day. The position reports directly to the building principal, with daily responsibilities guided by the program teacher. The position is located at Cherry Knoll Elementary School and follows the district’s school-year calendar: 180 work days plus 9 paid holidays. Work schedules may be up to 7.0 hours per day. The assistant supports students’ participation in school, adapts lessons and materials under the direction of the Special Education teacher, assists with self-help and physical needs, monitors behavior, maintains requested classroom records, and participates in planning, training, and meetings as requested. The role requires regular attendance, physical activity, communication and problem-solving abilities, and work in indoor school environments that may involve moderate to loud noise and varying temperatures or surfaces. The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Interpersonal skills to deal effectively and courteously with students and school personnel.
Previous experience working with children.
Ability to care for, supervise, and nurture children.
Ability to lift 50 pounds.
Ability to follow directions and work independently.
Ability to assist with maintaining records of student progress.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to resolve conflict.
Dependable and reliable, and able to protect sensitive and confidential information.
Willingness to attend training.
Ability to remain calm under stressful situations.
Ability to report regularly and consistently and maintain consistent, punctual attendance.
Ability to walk frequently and engage in physical activity; use hands and arms for signaling and light lifting or carrying; and move about the classroom, building, and school property, including bending, pushing, pulling, lifting, twisting, climbing, stooping, or crouching, with and without students.
Ability to listen and communicate information and ideas orally to a diverse population.
Ability to discern information, formulate appropriate actions, think critically, and provide appropriate solutions.
Ability to work effectively and efficiently.
Must be available during the school year in accordance with the district’s school-year calendar.
Must pass a criminal history background check.

Nice To Haves

Previous college credit, WorkKeys certification, or a college degree.

Responsibilities

Assist cognitively impaired students with all aspects of attending school.
Work under the direction of the Special Education teacher to adapt lessons and materials to students’ needs.
Assist students in physical education, music, art, lunch, assemblies, and recess as needed.
Work consistently and individually with cognitively impaired students.
Assist with self-help needs, including toileting, diapering, dressing, feeding, and dispensing medications according to district policy.
Assist students with physical challenges, equipment, wheelchairs, scribing, daily life skills, and communication devices.
Maintain student records such as attendance, behavior documentation, bus attendance, and lunch counts as requested by the teacher.
Take part in planning meetings and attend training or in-services as requested.
Accompany students on field trips as requested.
Monitor student behavior and implement behavior plans under the direction of the Special Education teacher.
Assist with small-group and large-group non-direct instruction.
Participate in IEP or IEPC meetings as requested.
Serve as a witness for medication administration if requested.
Assist with transferring students into adaptive equipment, such as standers or adaptive trikes, as needed.