Instructional Assistant-Special Education/Behavioral Intervention

Carlsbad, USD of•Carlsbad, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, assist certificated staff in reinforcing instruction for individual or small groups of special education students with significant aggressive and/or other behavioral difficulties. Work may take place in a classroom, job site, and/or community-based program. Support students with daily living activities, behavioral and social skills, and learning curriculum. The position works 6 hours per day for 205 days per school year. An eligibility list may be used to fill vacancies for up to one year or until depleted. Recruitment includes a training and experience evaluation and a structured interview, scheduled on an ongoing basis. The role provides academic and behavioral support, helps implement lesson plans and Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), monitors student progress, and adapts or modifies assignments to meet individual needs. Duties also include assisting with personal care, mobility, health care, physical therapy activities, communication devices, work-transition skills, and classroom and clerical support. The assistant helps maintain a safe and orderly environment and participates in meetings, conferences, and in-services as assigned. Applicants must hold a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency and meet one of the two stated NCLB qualification options: at least 48 semester units from an accredited college or an associate degree or higher; or successful completion of an assessment demonstrating knowledge and ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics or readiness in those subjects.

Requirements

Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency.
Meet one of the NCLB qualification options: complete at least 48 semester units at an accredited college or hold an associate degree or higher; OR pass an assessment demonstrating knowledge and ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics or readiness in those subjects.
Knowledge of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) theories and practices used with students with aggressive and disruptive behaviors.
Knowledge of Discrete Trial Training and TEACCH methods.
Knowledge of mathematics, language arts, and other academic subjects; basic instructional methods; classroom procedures; and appropriate student conduct.
Knowledge of methods for addressing and correcting student behavior, guidance principles and practices for students with special education needs, and the concerns of students with special needs.
Knowledge of safe practices in classroom activities and subjects taught in District elementary or secondary schools.
Knowledge of standard office and classroom equipment, computers, assigned software, oral and written communication, interpersonal skills, English usage, record keeping, and filing techniques.
Knowledge of first aid and CPR procedures.
Ability to take initiative and follow tasks through to completion; use critical thinking and innovation to solve problems; and handle stressful situations with tact and professionalism.
Ability to work interactively as a team member, adapt to varying situations and environments, and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; understand and relate to students and adults with special needs; and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to operate standard office and classroom equipment, including a computer and assigned software.
Ability to lift and carry students as assigned by the position and demonstrate dependability.

Responsibilities

Assist certificated staff with academic support and instructional activities for students with autism and/or significant behavioral difficulties in classroom, job-site, and community-based settings.
Confer with certificated staff about lesson plans and materials; help implement lessons and track academic and behavioral progress.
Respond to and intervene during aggressive or behavioral outbursts to support student and classroom safety; monitor behavior and reinforce classroom rules and appropriate conduct.
Monitor students during outdoor activities, recess, meals, field trips, job-site visits, and other assigned activities; help develop students’ social skills and provide guidance.
Support implementation of IEP goals and objectives, monitor progress, and adapt, accommodate, or modify assignments and learning activities to meet individual needs.
Assist nonverbal students with assistive devices and alternative communication methods.
Help students develop daily living and behavioral skills, including eating and tube feeding as needed, toileting, diapering, changing soiled clothing, personal hygiene, and bathing and grooming.
Lift and move students as needed; push wheelchairs, assist with walkers, help students in and out of wheelchairs and buses, and escort students between buses and classes.
Accompany students in mainstreamed classes, take notes as needed, and support completion of assignments and educational activities; explain instructions and administer or monitor tests as required.
Assist students with physical therapy, motor skills, positioning, exercises, adaptive equipment, independent walking and mobility, and physical education activities.
Read to students and support reading, pronunciation, word recognition, spelling, and writing activities; observe reading abilities.
Support students in work-transition programs by developing social, vocational, communication, etiquette, and job-search skills; provide job coaching, assist with public transportation, adapt work sites, and confirm students understand and can perform job tasks.
Set up classroom work areas and displays and distribute and collect instructional materials and supplies.
Help students operate computers and use software and internet applications.
Perform classroom clerical duties, including preparing, typing, duplicating and filing materials; scoring tests and assignments; recording grades and attendance; maintaining progress, IEP, and behavior records; and assisting with scheduling meetings, appointments, and services.
Follow health and safety practices and maintain assigned areas in a safe, orderly, and clean condition.
Provide assigned medical assistance and health care; administer first aid and CPR according to established procedures as needed.
Attend and participate in meetings, conferences, and in-services as assigned; perform related duties as assigned.