Special Education Instructional Assistant III Self-Contained

Sioux City Community School District•Sioux City, IA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Classroom Instructional Assistant III assists and motivates students with disabilities in grades K–12. The role provides health, communication, and behavioral supports so students can access instruction in a variety of settings. The assistant works primarily with small groups in a special education setting and supports opportunities for students to integrate with peers during parts of the school day. The position involves working with students individually or in small groups in general or special education environments, collaborating with teachers and coworkers, supporting student independence and participation, and implementing student-specific educational, behavioral, and health plans. The assistant may provide personal care and physical assistance and use assistive technology, computers, adaptive equipment, and student communication devices. The role also requires maintaining accurate student data and confidentiality, and applying trained de-escalation and safety intervention strategies. Before starting, employees must meet one of the Every Student Succeeds Act qualification pathways: 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 assessments.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Previous experience working with children.
Before starting, meet one of the following: two years of study at an institution of higher education; an associate degree or higher; voluntary Board of Educational Examiners paraeducator certification; or successful completion of ACT WorkKeys assessments in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations where applicable.
Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups at all organizational levels and to listen effectively.
Ability to gather, collate, and classify data and work with a variety of data.
Problem-solving ability to identify issues and create action plans.
Ability to use computers and process electronic requests, learn different communication devices including augmentative communication devices, and retrieve and print information from computer programs.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently.
Ability to engage in physical activity associated with active supervision of students and demonstrate competency in the physical skill components of CPI training.

Nice To Haves

Paraeducator certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Work effectively with children with disabilities and special needs in a variety of settings, individually or in small groups.
Communicate and work effectively with special education teachers, classroom teachers, and coworkers.
Maintain professional, legal, and ethical conduct toward students, parents, and coworkers.
Motivate and assist students to build independence, develop interpersonal and social skills, engage in learning, and self-advocate.
Use assistive technology, computers, and adaptive equipment, and provide special care or physical assistance needed for students to function and learn effectively at school.
Gather and maintain accurate academic, behavioral, and health data as needed, and provide feedback to teachers to improve instruction.
Understand and respect diversity in students’ skills and abilities, cultural heritage, lifestyles, values systems, and human rights.
Maintain confidentiality of student information and records.
Implement prevention, response, and safety interventions outlined in multiple Behavior Intervention Plans.
Implement supports and services outlined in Individual Health Plans, including toileting, meal assistance, and other self-care activities for multiple students.
Use de-escalation and appropriate restraint and seclusion strategies as trained through the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI).
Use computers to process electronic requests, learn student communication devices, and retrieve and print information from computer programs.
Perform other duties assigned by the superintendent or designee that are necessary and appropriate to District or program goals.