Instructional Assistant

Grafton•Midlothian, VA

13d

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Instructional Assistant is a Direct Support Professional in Grafton’s Education program who provides direct care and implements client plans as prescribed by physicians and treatment teams. The role supports the Academic Teacher with instructional and therapeutic activities, lesson planning and preparation of materials, assessment of client progress, and adjustments to teaching techniques that support each client’s established goals. The position also provides supervision and safety support, crisis management, transportation in community-based programs, and care for clients in residences during academic breaks and holidays. The Instructional Assistant documents client behavior, participation, services, and instructional data; follows scheduled activities; and models positive, mature behavior while using proactive strategies to reduce crises and promote success. The position reports to a teacher or program supervisor/manager. Responsibilities include supporting client health, safety, and wellness; implementing treatment, IEP, and ISP goals and strategies; building trusting relationships and contributing to a supportive, solution-focused environment; collaborating with treatment teams; and helping maintain safe, clean, organized classroom or residential settings. Depending on the program, duties may include meal preparation, transportation, community mobility, and handling program or client purchases and money. The role also requires teamwork, accountability, and commitment to Grafton’s mission, values, and vision. Starting compensation is $17 to $22 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Shift differentials may be available based on hours worked: $1.50 per hour for weekday evenings and overnight shifts (3:30 p.m.–10:30 p.m.), and $3.00 per hour for weekend shifts (Friday 3:30 p.m.–Monday 7:00 a.m.).

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in human services; or an associate’s degree and three months of experience working with children; or a high school diploma/GED and six months of experience working with children.
Must be at least 19 years old.
Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Moderate computer skills, including logging in, navigating the web, starting and saving a Microsoft Word document, and basic keyboarding.

Responsibilities

Ensure medications are delivered accurately and on time, and support clients’ well-being, safety, health, and hygiene.
Use infection-control procedures; report serious incidents, participate in reviews, and implement follow-up measures as applicable.
Know assigned clients’ strengths, needs, abilities, preferences, goals, objectives, outcomes, and treatment strategies from current Treatment Plans, IEPs, and ISPs.
Implement behavioral strategies, teach alternative behaviors, and actively instruct clients to support their education, residential, and ID Waiver goals and outcomes.
Collect and document behavioral and instructional data accurately and reliably, and document services in a timely manner.
Maintain engagement with and monitoring of clients, and implement planned activities throughout the workday.
Build trusting and respectful relationships with clients and support clients in building similar relationships.
Apply knowledge of client diagnoses, associated supports, and trauma-informed care; manage behavioral crises safely.
Collaborate with the Treatment Team and contribute to team discussions and decisions to provide continuity of support and care.
Provide exemplary customer service to guardians, agency personnel, and visitors.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized residence or classroom; promote good nutrition and assist with meal preparation in group homes.
Provide transportation and community mobility; assist with purchases and account for program and client money as applicable.
Assist the Academic Teacher with instructional and therapeutic activities, lesson plans and materials, assessment of progress, and modification of teaching techniques.
Provide care to clients in residences during academic breaks and holidays; in community-based programs, transport clients between residence and school.
Provide supervision, safety, and crisis management; document client behavior and participation; follow scheduled activities; model positive behavior; and use proactive strategies to reduce crises and promote success.
Demonstrate knowledge of the organization and its core values of personal integrity and accountability; perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Free meals during shifts, as available.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
Paid Time Off plan and attendance incentives.
Employer-paid life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Short-term disability and long-term disability.
Flexible scheduling and work-life resources.
Retirement plan with employer match, up to $2,500 annually.
Employee discounts, including legal services, identity theft protection, travel assistance, virtual exercise and coaching, and free will preparation services.
Paid career development, including earning certifications such as CPR and Ukeru.
Education assistance, up to $5,250 annually.
Continuing education opportunities.
Federal Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Referral bonuses of $1,000 for bringing new talent to Grafton.