.5 Life Skills Instructional Assistant

Brookings Harbor School District 17C•Brookings, OR

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Life Skills Instructional Assistant supports the teacher in delivering instruction and planned activities to students, including students with special needs. The role prepares instructional materials, reinforces learning individually and in small groups, implements teacher-designated activities and behavior plans, and helps maintain classroom discipline and a safe, orderly school environment. Duties may be performed with or without direct teacher supervision and may include community-based activities, student transportation support, and travel between sites. The assistant provides instructional, behavioral, clerical, and physical support to students ages 5 to 21. Physical assistance may include mobility support, lifting, toileting, feeding, use of orthopedic devices, following specialized medical plans, and other assistance such as physical prompting or restraint as required. The position also involves collecting student performance data, communicating with teachers and staff, maintaining confidentiality and student records, and completing required training in seizure protocols, mealtime plans, and tube feeding. This is a 10-month, classified, non-exempt position at Brookings-Harbor High School. Work is primarily indoors in classrooms and other school spaces, but includes outdoor student supervision in variable and sometimes severe weather. The role requires frequent standing and walking, the ability to observe multiple students across different spaces, and physical activity including running, lifting up to 75 pounds, and assisting students with personal care. Potential exposures include blood-borne pathogens and aggressive student behavior.

Requirements

Possess or be able to obtain a valid Oregon driver's license.
Possess OIS certification or complete District-approved restraint/seclusion training within 90 days of hire.
Be able to drive to alternate locations to support students.
Have completed two years of post-secondary education or hold an associate degree, preferably with coursework related to working with children in an educational setting; alternatively, have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass a qualifying state or local academic assessment in reading, writing, and mathematics.
Have two years of prior training and/or experience in instructional techniques and behavior management and modification; experience with disabled children and/or adults is preferred.
Communicate effectively with employees and students using tact, courtesy, and good judgment.
Collect data and perform basic mathematical functions.
Communicate accurately in written and spoken English and understand and execute oral and written instructions.
Operate standard office equipment, including a computer, word processor, calculator, and photocopier.
Stand and/or walk for long periods, observe multiple students across large and small spaces, walk quickly and run when needed, and perform physical postures and tasks including pushing, pulling, toileting, feeding, restraining, lifting up to 75 pounds, bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, and reaching.
Speak and hear frequently in a noisy environment and work outdoors in variable, inclement, and severe weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Coursework in working with children in an educational setting.
Experience with disabled children and/or adults.

Responsibilities

Assist with academic instruction by working with individual students and small groups, reinforcing lessons, and monitoring classroom tasks and assignments.
Independently implement planned instructional activities using teacher-designated methods and materials.
Implement individual and group behavior plans and support appropriate student behavior and classroom discipline.
Prepare and implement instructional materials, including using augmentative communication and assistive technology devices.
Provide physical accommodations and personal-care support, including mobility assistance, lifting, toileting, feeding, and following specialized medical plans.
Supervise student interactions and activities to maintain an orderly and safe environment, including supporting students in community settings or on school buses when required.
Help students develop emotional control, hygiene, social judgment, appropriate community behavior, and work-related skills through coaching and demonstration.
Attend required training for seizure protocols, mealtime plans, and tube feeding.
Confer with teachers about lesson plans and materials to meet student needs.
Prepare, administer, and score tests and assignments as directed, and collect data on student performance while providing instruction.
Help students review and complete classroom assignments, homework, and projects by answering questions and offering guidance.
Perform clerical tasks, maintain student records and files, prepare instructional materials and documents, and compile information and reports.
Follow instructions, policies, and procedures; maintain confidentiality; and build effective working relationships with students and school personnel.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with students and staff from diverse cultural or language backgrounds.