Physical Support Instructional Assistant

Fruitport Community Schools•Fruitport, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant will provide direct support to a student with significant physical and medical needs to ensure safe access to educational programs, school facilities, and school-related activities. The instructional assistant will work under the supervision of certified staff and collaborates with special education personnel, occupational therapist, physical therapist and administration to implement accommodations, assistive technology supports, and individualized educational programming.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Associates Degree or successful completion of the WorkKeys Assessment.
Experience with children with disabilities.
Ability to provide physical assistance and personal care support.
Ability to learn and utilize assistive technology and adaptive equipment.
Ability to follow written and verbal directions from educational, medical, and therapeutic staff.
Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Commitment to promoting student independence, dignity, inclusion, and safety.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students with significant physical disabilities.
Experience supporting assistive technology and adaptive equipment.

Responsibilities

Assist the student in accessing classroom instruction and educational activities throughout the school day.
Provide support for note-taking, scribe assignments, organizing materials, and completing classroom tasks as directed by instructional staff.
Assist with implementation of accommodations and modifications identified in the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Support the student's use of assistive technology, including voice-controlled devices, communication systems, computer access tools, and environmental control systems.
Facilitate participation in classroom discussions, group activities, assessments, and school events.
Provide physical assistance with positioning, transfers, and mobility as trained and directed by therapists.
Assist the student with operation and navigation of a power wheelchair and related equipment, including head-array controls or joy stick when needed.
Ensure safe access to classrooms, doorways, elevators, cafeterias, restrooms, transportation, and other school environments.
Accompany and assist the student during transitions throughout the school day.
Serve as an active member of the student's emergency evacuation team, utilizing approved evacuation equipment, procedures, and supports to ensure the student's safe and timely evacuation during drills and emergency situations.
Provide assistance with feeding and hydration as trained and directed.
Assist with toileting, catheterization, and personal hygiene needs while maintaining student privacy, dignity, and safety.
Support implementation of the student's health care plan and assist with medication-related needs in accordance with physician orders, parent/guardian authorization, district procedures, and applicable state regulations.
Monitor student safety and promptly report concerns to appropriate staff.
Support pressure relief times
Assist the student in accessing and operating assistive technology devices, including: Sip-and-puff call systems, Voice-controlled technology, Computer access systems, Communication and environmental access devices
Collaborate with occupational therapists, physical therapists, and technology specialists regarding equipment use and troubleshooting.
Work closely with teachers, special education staff, therapists, transportation personnel, and administration to support student success.
Maintain accurate documentation as required by district procedures.
Participate in training related to medical procedures, personal care, mobility assistance, assistive technology, and student-specific needs.
Maintain confidentiality regarding student information.