Instructional Assistant - Visually Impaired

Anaheim Union High School District • Anaheim, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher and specialists, this position assists in the instructional support, personal care, and supervision of students who have visual impairments. The goal is to provide support in developing academic abilities to enable students to function effectively in a standard classroom situation. This role also performs other related duties as required.

Requirements

• College-level course work directly related to this classification, such as Psychology, Child Development, Special Education or a related field is required.
• Minimum of two years paid 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. (ONLINE-ONLY CERTIFICATES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE)
• Successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination.
• Strategies and techniques of assisting in the instruction of students with visual impairments.
• Special characteristics related to the supervision and motivation of special needs students in an instructional setting.
• Child guidance principles and practices related to individuals with visual impairments.
• Emergency crisis management techniques.
• Secondary-level academic subjects taught in District schools.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Appropriate safety precautions and hygiene standards.
• Health and safety regulations.
• First Aid and CPR.
• Operate assistive technology used by students with visual impairments.
• Read Braille alphabet and numbers.
• Be flexible and accept direction from certificated staff.
• Effectively utilize training received on the job.
• Assist in the supervision of students in the classroom and outdoors.
• Assist students with personal care such as dressing and toileting.
• Follow safety procedures.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.
• Work as a team.
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, warm and receptive attitude toward students.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Recognize and effectively assist in responding to emergency and/or hazardous conditions.
• Administer First Aid and CPR.
• Document and maintain accurate daily written documentation of specific services performed.
• Make accurate mathematical calculations.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records.
• Perform routine clerical support duties.
• Operate standard classroom equipment and computers.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with students with visual impairments is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assists in providing instructional support with the presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises to students with visual impairments.
• Supports visually impaired students in integrative settings and/or inclusive environments.
• Confers with classroom teacher, specialist, or Braille Transcriber to prepare future learning materials so that they may be adapted for the visually impaired students; assists in preparing instructional materials in a suitable format (large print).
• Reinforces students' orientation and mobility skills; monitors motor activities; attends student orientation and mobility training.
• Assists students by answering questions and providing examples, emotional support, friendly attitude, and general guidance; works with students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning activities in a variety of academic subjects ranging from basic to advanced levels; assists with social skills development.
• Ensures that students with visual impairments understand the classroom rules and procedures.
• Explains and assures that students with visual impairments understand the classroom assignments and homework instructions.
• Takes copious notes of classroom lectures in order to supplement students' note taking.
• Operates classroom equipment; sets-up work area, decorates, and sets-up displays; distributes and collects paper and supplies.
• Prepares classroom environment for student (clears walkways, proper desk, space for equipment, peer assistance); assists in providing proper physical setting conducive to communication needs.
• Assures that assistive technology used by the students are working properly; assists with the set-up of specialized equipment before instruction begins.
• Assists in administering, proctoring, scoring tests and papers, and charting student progress.
• Implements emergency crisis management techniques.
• Administers first aid and/or CPR as necessary; reacts effectively to emergencies.
• Escorts students to and from designated locations as assigned; may push students in wheelchairs.
• Provides assistance in self-help training in feeding, grooming, brushing teeth, toilet training, changing diapers, and other hygiene related tasks.
• May assist other Instructional Assistant staff in performing specialized health care procedures and/or monitoring students who demonstrate severe behaviors as assigned.
• Provides assistance to students who use bus transportation as necessary.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
• Assists with student supervision in classrooms, lunch rooms, and various outdoor activities.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and instructional materials.
• Works as a team with other staff; attends and participates in a variety of trainings, meetings, and workshops to maintain current knowledge, which includes developments in the field of special education and emergency crisis management.

Benefits

• 100% employer contribution towards employee and family premiums
• 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