Instructional Assistant - Exceptional Education

Richmond City Public Schools•Richmond, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant assists the teacher or designated supervisor with instructional activities in an exceptional education classroom or one-to-one. This role involves supporting students in reinforcing learned material, building independence in self-care, preparing files and reports, and assisting with individual and group instruction. The assistant also supervises students during out-of-classroom activities, reinforces positive behavior, and ensures proper care of school property. Additional duties include assisting with toileting, personal hygiene, mobility needs, and maintaining student records.

Requirements

Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment or Associate’s degree or completion of 60 hours of college credits from an accredited college or university recognized by the Virginia Department of Education.
Excellent communication, organizational, time management and public relations skills are required.
Must have the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and demonstrate excellence in business English, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Must have good skills in operating personal computers and related software.
Must be adaptable to changing priorities, have the ability to work independently and/or with minimum supervision, and the ability to effectively handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
Have a good knowledge of and understanding of child growth, development and paraprofessional instructional procedures and practices.
Considerable patience and the ability to work effectively with children with disabilities, young adults and faculty members are essential.
Must be able to follow written and oral instructions and to perform all required tasks.
Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must complete online autism training within 60 days of start date.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of one year working experience as an instructional assistant preferred.
Experience working with children with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists student(s) in reinforcing material already presented through special efforts and repetitions.
Assists student(s) with self-care areas to build independence.
Prepares and maintains files and reports.
Assists teacher in performing specific duties as assigned or undertaking specialized tasks.
Assists the teacher in providing individual and group instruction designed to meet individual needs and supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday.
Reinforces acceptable student behavior in a consistent and positive manner.
Encourages proper care and use of school facilities, property and equipment and participates in curriculum development programs as required.
Assists with toileting student(s), changing diapers and personal hygiene.
Escorts student(s) when necessary and restrains out of control student(s) when necessary.
Assists student(s) with mobility needs.
Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
Helps to maintain individual records for each student and collects and displays suitable materials for educational displays.
Performs other related tasks as required.
Assists in the implementation of behavioral intervention programs for children with emotional/behavioral disorders.
Maintains student disability records in a highly confidential manner.