Program (Life Skills) Instructional Assistant

Hamilton Southeastern Schools • FISHERS, IN

2d

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant supports students with special education needs under the supervision of the classroom teacher and reports to the principal. The position helps the teacher carry out instructional duties, supports students’ academic and behavioral development, and helps students achieve the maximum level of independence directed by the Teacher of Record. The assistant follows lesson plans, student IEP and 504 plans, and an assigned daily schedule. Duties may take place inside and outside the classroom, including settings such as the cafeteria, playground, buses, field trips, restrooms, and off-site jobs.

The role also requires effective communication and teamwork with students and staff, professional and confidential handling of sensitive issues, and the ability to respond to crisis situations and de-escalate students. Additional duties may include assisting students with self-care, lifting and transferring students, and using Crisis Prevention & Intervention training in accordance with CPI/Mandt procedures.

Requirements

• Meet one of the stated paraprofessional qualifications: an associate of arts degree, two years of college (48 credit hours), or passing the ParaPro assessment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students.
• Ability to proficiently assist the teacher in performing duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively, work well with staff, and be a team player.
• Ability to follow lesson plans and student IEP and 504 plans with fidelity.
• Ability to respond professionally and effectively to students in crisis and engage in de-escalation.
• Ability to handle sensitive issues tactfully and confidentially.
• Punctuality and the ability to perform duties in a timely manner.
• Professional dress appropriate to the position.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with students and work collaboratively with staff.
• Assist the teacher with classroom preparation and performance of 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 the cafeteria, playground, bus loading and unloading, field trips, restrooms, 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 students’ academic and/or behavioral goals.
• Support students in achieving their maximum level of academic and behavioral independence as directed by the Teacher of Record.
• Professionally and effectively engage with or de-escalate students during crisis situations.
• Follow the assigned daily schedule in a timely manner.
• Nurture positive relationships with supervisors, subordinates, peers, and students, and demonstrate respect for them.
• Support corporation decisions and direction regarding policy and administrative directives.
• Handle sensitive issues tactfully and professionally, and raise concerns or suggestions appropriately and confidentially.
• Be punctual, perform duties in a timely manner, and dress professionally for the position.
• 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 procedures.
• Perform other related duties assigned by the building principal, principal’s designee, or Teacher of Record.

What This Job Offers

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