SY 26-27 Special Education Assistant

School District of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Assists students with various needs including behavioral needs, severe medical and/or mobility needs, who are medically fragile, and/or students with disabilities receiving special education services. Provides support and assistance to help students access the instructional program in school and community settings. Maintains a safe educational environment for students with activities of daily living, monitoring health and behavior.

Requirements

Demonstrated knowledge of the growth, development and potential educational challenges of students with disabilities.
Demonstrated knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Demonstrated knowledge of the types of educational disabilities and special education programs as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Demonstrated ability to illustrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards students of varied age groups, temperaments and abilities.
Demonstrated ability to behave and speak in a professional manner at all times.
Demonstrated ability to maintain a cooperative staff relationship with all personnel in the education setting.
Demonstrated ability to read, write and speak English.
Demonstrated ability to operate standard office equipment (e.g. computer, printer, fax machine, copier) including relevant software applications.
Demonstrated ability to maintain student confidentiality and handle information and materials with complete security.
Demonstrated ability to learn classroom procedures.
Demonstrated ability to be understanding, patient and receptive towards students of various age groups, temperaments and abilities.
Demonstrated ability to learn and apply behavior modification or management strategies, techniques and reinforcement methods.
Demonstrated ability to learn and utilize instructional materials, assistive technology and/or communication devices used by students.
Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, complete and correct service logs for all students.
Demonstrated ability to lift, move and position a student up to age twenty-two who may weigh 150 pounds or more with the assistance from properly trained personnel and/or a mechanical lift.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Demonstrated ability to act calmly and appropriately in emergency situations.
High School Diploma or GED.
Pass the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Highly Qualified test.
Possession of valid certificates documenting the completion of approved training courses in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Responsibilities

Records and reports appropriate data regarding academic, behavioral and/or health information and services provided to students using the appropriate service log.
Assists students to use instructional materials and equipment.
Provides verbal and/or written feedback of observations to the teacher.
Works with students to reinforce instructional objectives, and implement Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives for students with disabilities receiving special education services.
Adapts activities, assignments and/or materials as directed by the teacher to allow students to participate in the instructional program.
Assists in the implementation of the IEP as directed by the teacher for students with disabilities receiving special education services.
Attends IEP or Service Plan meetings at the request of the principal, teacher and/or parent for a student with disabilities receiving special education services or a 504 Service Plan.
Assists students with class routines and in transitioning from one activity or location to the next.
Guides students in developing positive, appropriate interpersonal relationships with peers and adults.
Supports students with emotional or behavioral concerns and assists in developing appropriate social skills.
Assists in the management and shaping of student behavioral techniques and/or positive reinforcement strategies.
Maintains a safe learning environment for students and staff.
Monitors and assists students in educational and community settings.
Assists students with ambulation, positioning, turning, and/or mobility within the school premises, class trips, and in the community.
Assists students with use of mobility and/or weight-bearing equipment, such as leg braces, walkers, standers, and tricycles.
Assists students with daily living skills, including feeding, grooming and dressing.
Assists students with all aspects of toileting, which may include lifting on and off the toilet, diapering and the use of changing tables and mats.
Assists students with tube feedings and/or changing colostomy bag when required as instructed by the teacher and/or school nurse.
Monitors vital signs; monitors for seizure activity, and/or tube feedings under the direction of the school nurse.
Administers First Aid and/or CPR whenever needed and/or required.
Reports any change in daily physical condition for a student with severe medical/mobility needs or who is medically fragile.
Ensures the student utilizes all needed/required safety/health equipment, such as a helmet, glasses, or hearing aid.
Notifies the student's teacher of any equipment that may be damaged or in need of repair, such as a wheelchair or hearing aid.
Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regularly-assigned teacher.