Inclusion Assistant

Sahuarita Unified School District•Sahuarita, AZ

47d•$17

About The Position

Under the supervision of certified Project Inspire Special Educators, provides health services support and assistance, including therapeutic interaction and personal care, to students with multiple (severe and profound) disabilities to attend and/or function in an educational setting. Enhances learning environment of physically, emotionally, and mentally challenged multiple disabled students through individualized focus on daily living and learning skills; provides instructional support to certified teachers on an as-needed basis. Inclusion Assistants work at multiple sites throughout the District.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent;
Associate's degree, 60 credit hours of college or evidence of passing score on acceptable paraprofessional exam;
Ability to communicate effectively;
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships;
In-service training session attendance required;
Valid Arizona driver's license.
Ability to assist students with restricted mobility, if necessary;
Ability to lift more than 50 pounds, if required;
Ability to attend to student personal care routines, if required;
Ability to operate district transportation vehicles, if necessary;
Ability to call for assistance and/or emergency 911;
Ability to physically perform CPR and First Aide.
Willingness to perform as an integral member of a successful medical services support team;
Dedication and commitment to providing the highest level of service and care;
Dedication to encourage and teach self esteem to students by demonstrating and modeling the skills to foster empowerment;
Willingness to learn about specialized techniques related to the needs of special education students and the disabled population;
Adherence to policies and procedures.
Must be able to plan two to twelve weeks in advance;
Ability to cope with periodic stress and intermittent deadlines and student related needs. Ability to maintain a calm, non-defensive, supportive attitude during a crisis or potential crisis.
Must use sound judgment in the performance of duties; maintains confidential records and information;

Nice To Haves

Post High School education and/or training with persons with disabilities preferred;
Prior medical training or experience preferred;
CPR and First Aide certification required within first year of employment;

Responsibilities

Provides direct medical health services and support to students during seizures, tracheotomy suctioning and changing, respiratory support, "G" tube feedings (bolus and continuous), supported oral motor functions for eating, catheterization, medication administration (oral and "G" tube), CPR and First Aide;
Provides direct assistance for students to reach daily personal care and personal hygiene goals;
Develops student-centered, age appropriate, functional and meaningful adaptations and accommodations;
Provides direct assistance and/or full support for meal times, including "G" tube feedings;
Encourages students to participate in decision-making, counseling, social, recreational, vocational, day and other activities identified in students' person-centered individualized education plans;
Conducts daily data documentation and observation of student behavior and medication bringing any unusual/suspect behaviors to supervisor's immediate attention;
Assists and supports student augmentative communication systems (low/high tech, Braille, sign language, etc.) including adaptive computer software and technologies;
Ensures proper operating safety procedures of power and manual wheelchair systems, including attending wheelchair clinics, readjustments, positioning/lifting training, and other related supports;
Obtains in-depth knowledge through training of positioning, standing, walking, transferring methods, individualized physical and occupational therapy routines;
Performs crisis intervention techniques to prevent harmful behavior to/by students to others;
Supports positive behavioral support procedures;
Transports students to community based instruction sites;
Collects data to meaningfully assess individual student goals and objectives;
Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with students, peers, families, therapists, District personnel, community members, and outside service agencies;
Encourages and teaches self-esteem by demonstrating and modeling the skills to foster empowerment;
Performs other related tasks as assigned.