Instructional Assistant at Swanson Road Intermediate School

Auburn Public Schools•Auburn, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides assistance to assigned student in line with the child's Individualized Educational Plan. This role requires maintaining high ethical standards, confidentiality, and the ability to learn and use specialized communication devices. The Instructional Assistant will carry out personal health and safety protocols, including toileting as necessary, and compile daily reports on student accomplishments and behaviors for educators. They may also substitute for teachers, assist in developing reinforcement programs, and participate in professional development. The role involves escorting students, performing other assigned duties, and working with children of varying abilities, including those with substantial disabilities. Key abilities include implementing behavior plans, supporting school policies, fostering student self-worth, recognizing individual differences, communicating effectively, modifying student work, maintaining positive relationships, problem-solving, understanding directions, organizing work, and assisting parents and staff.

Requirements

Evidence of ability to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
Ability to work with children of varying abilities, including children with substantial disabilities.
Ability to implement a structured behavior plan and work with appropriate staff to modify when necessary.
Ability to arrive promptly for school, scheduled classes and duties.
Ability to support and follow established school policies.
Ability to engage in activities to develop self-worth and dignity of students.
Ability to recognize and provide for individual differences among students.
Ability to communicate effectively with students, teachers, and administration.
Ability to modify student work to match students' level of understanding and development.
Ability to maintain cooperative and productive working relationship when dealing with students and staff.
Ability to solve practical problems with students and staff.
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
Ability to plan and organize work to meet deadlines.
Ability to provide information and assistance to parents, the general public and other staff members in a helpful, courteous and timely manner.
Knowledge of child development and challenges faced by students with and without learning or substantial disabilities.
Knowledge of curriculum expectations of grade level/discipline to which he/she is assigned.
Knowledge of available assistive technologies, with appropriate training.
Knowledge of effective use of computer and relevant educational software applications.
Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Knowledge of safe operation of school equipment.
Understanding of child development and the ability to work with children of varying abilities are essential skills.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in education or related field or demonstrated specialized knowledge and skills preferred.
Experience in working within an educational setting preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides assistance to assigned student in line with the child's Individualized Educational Plan.
Maintains high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students and their records.
Willing and able to learn and master the use of communication device used by the student.
Carries out personal health and safety protocols, including toileting as necessary, with appropriate training.
Compiles reports of daily accomplishments and/or behaviors for regular meetings with regular and special educators, as well as with the consulting teacher for integration to review students' progress.
Substitutes for teachers, as requested.
Assists in the development and implementation of a reinforcement program.
Participates in in-service training programs and/or professional development programs, as assigned.
Provides information to be included in the preparation of progress reports.
Provides escort and assistance to assigned student(s) as necessary throughout the building.
Performs other duties, as assigned.