Special Education Instructional Assistant I

Sioux City Community School District•Sioux City, IA

About The Position

The Special Education Classroom Instructional Assistant I assists and motivates students with disabilities, providing health and behavior supports that help them access instruction in a variety of settings. The role generally supports students working toward grade-level standards who spend part of the day in general education. The assistant may work with an individual student or a small group in general or special education classrooms and other settings. The position supports students’ learning, independence, self-esteem, interpersonal and social skills, and self-advocacy. It may include using assistive technology, computers, adaptive equipment, and communication devices; providing physical assistance and self-care support; collecting and reporting student data; and implementing strategies in students’ Behavior Intervention Plans and Individual Health Plans. The assistant works with teachers and co-workers and maintains professional, legal, ethical, and confidential conduct. The position may involve lifting up to 50 pounds frequently, active supervision and physical activity, and movement throughout the day. Work may take place inside or outside in a usually fast-paced environment with a moderate noise level. Other duties may be assigned by the superintendent or designee to support program or District goals.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Previous experience working with children.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups at all organizational levels, with effective listening skills.
Ability to gather, collate, and/or classify data and work with a variety of data.
Problem-solving ability to identify issues and create action plans.
Ability to use a computer and process electronic requests.
Ability to learn communication devices, including picture/symbol systems and individual student augmentative communication devices.
Ability to retrieve and print information from computer programs as needed.
May be required to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and engage in physical activity associated with active student supervision.
Before starting, must meet one of the listed Every Student Succeeds Act qualifications: two years of study at an institution of higher education; an associate degree or higher; voluntary Paraeducator Certification through the Board of Educational Examiners; or successful completion of ACT WorkKeys® (NCRC Assessment).

Nice To Haves

Paraeducator certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with students with disabilities and special needs in general and special education classrooms and varied settings, individually or in small groups.
Communicate and work effectively with special education and classroom teachers and co-workers.
Maintain professional, legal, and ethical conduct toward students, parents, and co-workers.
Motivate and assist students in building self-esteem and independence, developing interpersonal and social skills, thinking independently, learning actively, and self-advocating.
Use assistive technology, computers, and adaptive equipment, and provide the special care or physical assistance students need to function and learn effectively at school.
Gather and maintain accurate academic, behavioral, and/or health data about students as needed, and provide feedback to teachers to improve instruction.
Understand and appreciate diversity in students’ skills and abilities, cultural heritage, lifestyles, value systems, and human rights.
Maintain confidentiality of student information and records.
Implement prevention and response strategies outlined in students’ Behavior Intervention Plans.
Implement supports and services outlined in students’ Individual Health Plans, which may include toileting, meal assistance, and other self-care activities.
Perform other duties assigned by the superintendent or designee that are necessary and appropriate to District or program goals and objectives.