Instructional Assistant (Paraeducator) - Behavioral Support

Anaheim Union High School District • Anaheim, CA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher and specialists, administers behavior management techniques specific to individuals with emotional disturbance, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or severe intellectual disabilities who are exhibiting aggressive behaviors; uses de-escalation techniques and controls stimuli in the learning environment that may trigger students; implements supportive interventions; and performs other related duties as required. The Instructional Assistant-Behavioral Support classification is distinguished from other instructional assistant positions by the advanced knowledge of behavior management techniques specific to individuals who have emotional disturbance, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities. Incumbents of this classification would be assigned to students who are demonstrating severe behaviors as a result of their emotional disturbance, ASD, or intellectual disabilities.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school and completion of at least two years of study (48 semester units or 60 quarter units) at an institution of higher education; OR Attainment of an Associate of Arts degree or higher degree; OR Meeting a rigorous standard of quality by receiving a passing score in an examination administered by the Personnel Commission which demonstrates the knowledge and ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing and mathematics.
• One year of experience working with special needs students in an instructional setting.
• Possession of a valid CPR/First Aid certificate and any other certifications pertaining to this position at time of application and throughout employment.
• Completion of ProACT training within the first 6 months of employment is required.
• CPR/FIRST AID certification must meet the following requirements: must be for "Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR" and cannot be an online-only or fully virtual course. Online-only certificates are NOT valid.

Nice To Haves

• Additional college-level course work directly related to this classification, such as Psychology, Child Development, Special Education or a related field is preferred.
• Previous experience working with students who exhibit severe challenging behaviors that interfere with their progress academically and socially (i.e. severe self-injurious behavior, aggression toward others) is highly desirable.
• Two years of education in Psychology, Child Development, Special Education or a related field may be substituted for one year of experience.

Responsibilities

• Administers behavior management techniques specific to individuals with emotional disturbance, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or severe intellectual disabilities who are exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
• Uses de-escalation techniques and controls stimuli in the learning environment that may trigger students.
• Implements supportive interventions.
• Follows the Behavior Support Plan (BSP) developed for the student.
• De-escalates or redirects the student.
• Recognizes "triggers" for the students and adjusts classroom or learning environment to control such stimuli.
• Effectively uses behavior management strategies and techniques specific for students with emotional disturbance, ASD, and intellectual disabilities.
• Assists students with personal care such as dressing and toileting.
• Assists in the supervision of students in the classroom and outdoors.
• Recognizes and effectively assists in responding to emergency and/or hazardous conditions.
• Performs First Aid and CPR.
• Works closely with students exhibiting emotional and physical outbursts (i.e. hitting, spitting, swearing, throwing objects; self-injurious behavior).
• Keeps pace with students who are exhibiting flight behaviors, as necessary.
• Performs ProACT techniques.
• Collects data in the manner designed by the credentialed staff.
• Documents and maintains accurate daily written documentation of specific services performed.
• Makes accurate mathematical calculations.
• Performs routine clerical support duties.
• Operates standard classroom equipment, telephones, and computers.
• Explains and assures students understanding of classroom rules, procedures, assignments and homework instructions.
• Assists students by answering questions and providing examples, emotional support, friendly attitude, and guidance.
• Provides feedback regarding student progress in attainment of individualized goals.
• Confers with supervisors, teachers, and specialists to coordinate instructional efforts and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
• Utilizes appropriate methods of instruction to achieve goals and objectives set forth in the IEP.
• Monitors, observes, and supports an individual or small group of students in a variety of settings for the purpose of maintaining a learning environment conducive to the implementation of each Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Collects data, prepares summaries, and records anecdotal notes.
• Implements program modifications.
• Adapts class work/homework under the direction of the teacher and/or specialist.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
• Initiates and receives phones calls.
• Operates classroom equipment.
• Sets-up work area, decorates, and sets-up displays.
• Distributes and collects paper and supplies.
• Assists in preparing instructional materials.
• Implements emergency crisis management techniques learned in ProACT training.
• Keeps pace with students who are exhibiting flight behaviors.
• Assists with student supervision in classrooms, lunch rooms, and various outdoor activities.
• Escorts students to and from designated locations as assigned.
• Attends and participates in a variety of trainings, meetings and workshops to maintain current knowledge which includes developments in the field of special education, ProACT techniques, and emergency crisis management.
• Provides assistance in self-help training in feeding, grooming, brushing teeth, toilet training and changing diapers, and other hygiene related tasks.
• Provides assistance to students who use bus transportation as necessary.
• May push students in wheelchairs.
• May assist other Instructional Assistant staff in performing specialized health care procedures as assigned.
• Administers first aid and/or CPR as necessary.
• Reacts effectively to emergencies.

Benefits

• Sick leave, holidays, bereavement and emergency leaves.
• Classified employees are members of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• The District provides medical, dental, vision care, behavioral health and life insurance for the employees and their dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree