Instructional Support Specialist

Kent Intermediate School District • Grand Rapids, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Instructional Support Specialists work under the overall supervisor of the Principal/Administrator of the buildings with direct supervision provided by the special education teacher. Instructional Support Specialists provide direct instructional support alongside the classroom teacher in the areas determined by students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Duties will vary depending upon the age of students served as well as the nature and severity of the students’ disabilities.

Requirements

• Must meet one of the following: Completed at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education OR Obtained an associates or higher degree OR High school graduate
• Current CPR certification or willingness to obtain CPR certificates and CPI training.
• Demonstrated dependability and promptness.
• Evidence of skills with behavior management.
• Understanding, patient, warm, and receptive attitude toward students.
• Ability to assume responsibility for supervising students on an independent basis.
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationship with students, staff, parents, and the general public while maintaining student confidentiality.
• Must be able to lift 40-60 lbs.
• Chauffeur license required (or willingness to obtain) with clean driving record.
• Willingness to work as part of a team of professionals.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the educational and social development of students under the direction and guidance of the classroom teachers.
• Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs for the students and monitor their progress.
• Provide support for individual students inside and outside the classroom to enable them to fully participate in activities.
• Work with related services staff, such as speech language pathologists, school social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, etc.
• Assist classroom teachers with maintaining student records.
• Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Support the management of challenging behaviors.
• Provide assistance with feeding and toileting.
• Assist students with medical needs including, but not limited to, Diastat and CPR.
• Supervise students in both a classroom and community setting.
• Collect and report data through special education student management system (PowerSchool Special Education).
• Assist in the making of instructional materials for the students.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Robust benefit package includes full medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid sick and vacation days
• State of Michigan School Employment retirement program
• Kent ISD is a participating employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF/ SAVE plan) for eligible Federal student loans.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED