Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Extended Content Standards

Wake County Public School System•Raleigh, NC

171d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides support and assists in coordinating instructional programs for special education students and their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Monitors programs for students with disabilities, maintains confidentiality, complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws and procedures, and maintains an environment conducive to learning. The position provides in-class support while promoting student progress toward independence and self-determination. It also assists with classroom instruction, behavioral plans, assistive technology, student transitions, and special health care needs. For SATA assignments, the instructional assistant works one-on-one with a student with severe to profound learning disabilities and completes specialized training determined by the student’s IEP. The role requires a high school diploma or GED and specified early-childhood education coursework, experience, or credentials, along with experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs. The employee must hold and maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification; WCPSS provides CPI training if needed. First Aid and CPR certifications are preferred. The position works in classroom and office environments and involves direct contact with staff, students, parents, and the community. Physical demands may include exerting force to move objects, including up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, and either hold or be working toward an Associate’s degree in birth-through-kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or a related early-childhood education field, or hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Those working toward the degree or CDA must complete at least six documented semester hours per year; OR meet ESSA employment requirements and have either six documented semester hours of early-childhood education coursework or two years of work experience in an early-childhood setting.
Experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs, including individuals with physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disabilities or impairments requiring additional or specialized services or accommodations.
Hold and maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification, complete required renewals on time, and adhere to certification timelines. WCPSS will provide CPI training if needed.
Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods and general classroom activities and routines.
Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with FERPA and applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to work in a team and collaborate effectively; motivate students; and constantly monitor and supervise students’ safety and well-being.
Ability to recognize and support students with diverse backgrounds, abilities, exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in oral and written form using a variety of techniques and tools to support information flow, collaboration, and feedback.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.
Ability to use office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers and to communicate effectively.
Ability to meet physical requirements consistent with medium work, including occasionally exerting up to 50 pounds of force, frequently up to 25 pounds, and constantly up to 10 pounds to move objects.

Nice To Haves

First Aid certification.
CPR certification.

Responsibilities

Support teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including becoming familiar with students’ IEPs, and help ensure an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthful environment.
Assist teachers with strategies for implementing students’ behavioral intervention plans.
Help plan and organize, evaluate instructional activities, develop classroom procedures, and prepare materials for lessons.
Demonstrate the professional and technical skills needed to function effectively in the classroom and support student achievement and the school program.
Maintain a positive disposition, exercise good judgment, and remain calm when working with students.
Provide in-class support while promoting students’ progress toward independence and self-determination.
Assist with classroom implementation of low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices to meet class-wide and individual student needs.
Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other required documents while maintaining confidentiality.
Participate in district staff development and continued professional growth in the assigned area.
Coordinate and facilitate student transitions between classes.
Assist students with special health care needs, including personal hygiene and restroom functions, diapering, mobility, lifting, positioning or transferring, seizure-related activities, feeding, adaptive equipment, and behavioral support and CPI skills.
For SATA assignments, serve as a one-on-one instructional assistant to a student with severe to profound learning disabilities and attend and successfully complete specialized training determined by the student’s IEP.
Perform other related duties as assigned.