Instructional Assistant - Special Education (6.5 Hours) - Life Skills

Cornwall-Lebanon School District • Lebanon, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant supports teachers in carrying out daily lesson plans and students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals, while helping maintain a safe and orderly classroom. The role serves students with a range of disabilities and works with classroom teachers and other department members to support the department’s goals and the CLSD mission. This is a 6.5-hour-per-day, nine-month position. The posting remains open until filled.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meet one of the following paraeducator qualifications: complete at least two years of post-secondary study; hold an associate degree or higher; meet a rigorous quality standard demonstrated through a state or local assessment; or complete the Pennsylvania Department of Education Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators.
• Provide evidence each school year of 20 hours of position-related staff development activities, prorated based on hire date within the school year.
• Possess or be able to develop skills in providing oral prompts, understanding behavioral patterns and basic terminology related to life-skills disabilities, organization, communication, confidentiality, teamwork, flexibility, attention to detail, empathy, patience, composure, and managing stressful situations and change.
• Ability to communicate effectively, exercise good judgment, follow written and verbal directions, interpret detailed communications, and work with limited supervision.
• Ability to function in a fast-paced, high-pressure setting, solve problems, organize information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to work courteously and cooperatively with people as a flexible, service-oriented team member.
• CPR and First Aid training may be required depending on the student’s IEP, medical assistance eligibility, and classroom type.
• Physical ability to sit, walk, and stand; reach above and below the waist; use fingers to pick, feel, and grasp objects; and stoop, bend, and twist.
• Ability to tolerate possible student hitting, kicking, or biting; frequent lifting of up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 100 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Crisis Prevention Institute or Safe Crisis Management training.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Program training, as directed by program needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in carrying out IEP goals and objectives and preparing and presenting learning materials and instructional exercises.
• Provide instructional assistance to individual students or small groups under the teacher’s general direction.
• Support students’ academic, behavioral, and life-skills needs, including supervision, behavioral plans, inclusion, transitions, toileting, and personal hygiene.
• Help teachers deliver accommodations, adapt learning environments, prepare classroom materials, make copies, organize take-home materials, and prepare bulletin boards.
• Maintain charts on student tasks and behavioral patterns and keep teachers informed of student progress, including during specials.
• Support students during lessons, projects, specials, transitions, and unforeseen situations; students may be met at the bus and escorted to and from the classroom.
• Assist with student communication, routines, and independence using appropriate verbal or physical prompts and adapting to students’ communication modes.
• Reinforce therapy and support programs developed by speech and language staff and other support personnel; assist with integrated physical or occupational therapy as directed.
• Assist with transfers from wheelchairs to classroom or therapy equipment when needed.
• Operate instructional media and office equipment and help students use computers, CD/tape players, and email.
• Assist with classroom discipline in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Work as a member of the classroom team, share workload, and address student needs and issues.
• Attend and participate in special education meetings and training when necessary.
• Prepare special accommodations under the direction of the classroom teacher and perform other duties as requested.

Benefits

• Five paid holidays.
• Life insurance.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for the employee only.
• Paid time off prorated based on start date and allocated after successful completion of a 60-day probationary period.
• Three personal leave days.
• Ten days of accumulated sick leave per year.

What This Job Offers

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