Instructional Assistant (Paraeducator) - Behavioral Support

Anaheim Union High School District • Anaheim, CA

9d

About The Position

Under general supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher and specialists, the Instructional Assistant (Paraeducator) - Behavioral Support applies behavior management techniques for students with emotional disturbance, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or severe intellectual disabilities who exhibit aggressive behaviors. The role uses de-escalation techniques, controls environmental stimuli that may trigger students, implements supportive interventions, and performs related duties as required. The position is distinguished from other instructional assistant roles by its advanced knowledge of behavior management for students with these needs and is assigned to students demonstrating severe behaviors.

The role supports students’ behavior plans and individualized educational goals through behavioral, instructional, and safety assistance. Duties include applying evidence-based behavior strategies and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), supporting classroom instruction, collecting and documenting student progress data, and coordinating with teachers, specialists, supervisors, and other staff. It also includes helping students with personal care and hygiene, supervising students in varied settings, and responding to emergencies.

Incumbents work indoors and outdoors in single or multiple classroom environments, with direct contact with students, staff, and the public. The environment may include loud noise, foul odors, exposure to bodily fluids or contagious illnesses, interruptions, changing priorities, negative interpersonal situations, and student physical or emotional outbursts. The position has significant physical demands, including prolonged standing, running or walking to keep pace with students, kneeling and bending, and lifting or moving objects and students as described in the posting.

Minimum qualifications include the equivalent of high school graduation and one of the specified higher-education or examination options. Applicants need one year of experience working with special needs students in an instructional setting, though qualifying education may substitute for experience. A valid Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate is required at application and throughout employment, and ProACT training must be completed within the first six months. The job posting does not specify salary, schedule, or workplace location type.

Requirements

• Equivalent of high school graduation and one of the following: at least two years of study (48 semester units or 60 quarter units) at an institution of higher education; an Associate of Arts degree or higher; or a passing score on a Personnel Commission examination demonstrating the ability to assist in instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics.
• One year of experience working with special needs students in an instructional setting. Two years of education in Psychology, Child Development, Special Education, or a related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• Possession of a valid Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR certificate and any other certifications pertaining to the position at application and throughout employment. The First Aid/CPR course cannot be online-only or fully virtual.
• Complete ProACT training within the first six months of employment.
• Knowledge of characteristics and causes of aggressive behavior associated with emotional disturbance, ASD, and intellectual disabilities; child guidance; evidence-based behavior management; ProACT restraint procedures; ABA; and emergency crisis management.
• Knowledge of secondary-level academic subjects, English usage, recordkeeping and report preparation, communication, safety precautions and hygiene standards, health and safety regulations, First Aid, and CPR.
• Ability to follow a student's BSP; de-escalate or redirect students; recognize triggers and adjust the learning environment; assist with personal care; supervise students; respond to emergencies; perform First Aid and CPR; collect and document data; perform routine clerical duties; and operate standard classroom equipment, telephones, and computers.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and instructions; work as part of a team; establish effective working relationships; maintain emotional control in difficult situations; communicate appropriately with students and others; and maintain confidentiality.
• Meet the stated physical demands, including prolonged standing; running or walking to keep pace with students; evading, blocking, or restraining as appropriate; repeated sitting, kneeling, stooping, or bending; lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 50 pounds unassisted and over 50 pounds with assistance; and the other listed movement, coordination, sensory, communication, telephone, and computer requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Additional college-level coursework directly related to the classification, such as Psychology, Child Development, Special Education, or a related field.
• Previous experience working with students exhibiting severe challenging behaviors that interfere with academic and social progress, such as severe self-injurious behavior or aggression toward others.

Responsibilities

• Apply evidence-based behavior management and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) techniques for students exhibiting aggressive behaviors related to emotional disturbance, ASD, or intellectual disabilities.
• Implement supportive interventions that complement each student's Behavior Support Plan (BSP), and follow the BSP.
• Support social skill development, recognize early signs of escalation, and intervene or redirect students.
• Adjust the classroom or learning environment to control stimuli that may trigger students.
• Use ProACT techniques to restrain volatile students appropriately and implement emergency crisis management techniques.
• Explain classroom rules, procedures, assignments, and homework instructions; answer questions and provide examples, emotional support, and guidance.
• Provide feedback about student progress toward individualized goals and coordinate instructional efforts with supervisors, teachers, and specialists, including implementation of IEPs.
• Use appropriate instructional methods and monitor and support individual students or small groups in varied settings to maintain a learning environment conducive to IEP implementation.
• Collect data, prepare summaries, record anecdotal notes, document services, and implement program modifications.
• Adapt classwork and homework under the direction of the teacher or specialist; prepare instructional materials and assist with routine classroom and clerical tasks.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive student information.
• Supervise students in classrooms, lunch rooms, and outdoor activities; escort students to assigned locations and keep pace with students exhibiting flight behaviors.
• Assist students with feeding, grooming, toothbrushing, toilet training, diaper changing, and other hygiene tasks; assist students using bus transportation and may push students in wheelchairs.
• May assist other instructional assistants with specialized health care procedures as assigned.
• Administer first aid or CPR as necessary and respond effectively to emergencies.
• Attend and participate in training, meetings, and workshops to maintain current knowledge of special education, ProACT techniques, and emergency crisis management.
• Operate classroom equipment, telephones, and computers; set up work areas and displays; distribute and collect paper and supplies.

Benefits

• Sick leave, holidays, bereavement leave, and emergency leave for permanent classified employees.
• Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS); employee contribution is 7% of gross earnings.
• Medical, dental, vision care, behavioral health, and life insurance for employees and their dependents for permanent classified employees working 20 hours or more per week.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED