Program (FAP) Instructional Assistant

Hamilton Southeastern Schools•FISHERS, IN

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant - Special Education supports classroom instruction and student academic, behavioral, and personal-care needs under the supervision of the classroom teacher and reports to the principal. The role includes helping prepare the classroom, carrying out teacher-directed lessons, supporting students in accordance with their IEP and 504 plans, and assisting with academic or behavioral data collection. The assistant supervises students in classroom and other assigned settings, including during arrival and dismissal, cafeteria and playground duties, transportation, field trips, restroom visits, and off-site jobs. The position also involves promoting students’ academic and behavioral independence, communicating with the Teacher of Record, and responding professionally to crisis situations using applicable de-escalation training. Additional duties may be assigned by the principal or designee.

Requirements

Meet one of the stated paraprofessional qualification options: an associate of arts degree, two years of college (48 credit hours), or passing the ParaPro exam.
Ability to communicate effectively with students.
Ability to assist the teacher proficiently in performing instructional duties.
Ability to work well with staff as a team player.
Ability to follow lesson plans and student IEP and 504 plans with fidelity.
Ability to deal with sensitive issues tactfully and professionally.
Punctuality and professional dress appropriate to the position.

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with students and work collaboratively with staff.
Assist the teacher with classroom preparation and instructional duties.
Instruct students under teacher supervision and follow lesson plans with fidelity.
Supervise and support students during assigned duties inside and outside the classroom, including cafeteria, playground, bus loading and unloading, field trips, restroom visits, and off-site jobs.
Follow student IEP and 504 plans with fidelity.
Help prepare students for arrival and dismissal.
Maintain effective communication with the Teacher of Record.
Assist with collecting data for student academic and/or behavioral goals.
Promote students’ academic and behavioral independence as directed by the Teacher of Record.
Professionally engage with or de-escalate students in their care during crisis situations.
Follow the assigned daily schedule in a timely manner.
Assist students with self-care skills, including toileting, food preparation, feeding, and personal hygiene, as needed.
Lift and transfer students, as needed.
Use Crisis Prevention & Intervention training in accordance with CPI/Mandt Training procedures.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the building principal, Teacher of Record, or designee.
Maintain positive and respectful relationships with supervisors, colleagues, and students; support corporation policies and administrative directives; address sensitive concerns tactfully and confidentially; be punctual and dress professionally.