Special Education Instructional Assistant

Niles Community Schools • Niles, MI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Niles Community Schools is looking for a dynamic Special Education Instructional Assistant for a full-time position for the 26-27 school year. This role requires highly-effective communication skills and professionalism for daily interaction with a diverse workforce, student population, building administration, and the community. The position reports to the Ballard Principal and Special Education Administrator (or designee).

Requirements

• All Instructional Assistants must meet one of the following standards to be considered highly qualified in the state of Michigan: Completed two years of college (60 hours) OR Obtained an Associate's Degree or higher OR Meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through passage of an approved formal state academic assessment in the following areas: Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
• Current State Board of Education Approved Assessments: College Board’s SAT – Score at least a 480 on evidence-based reading and writing and a 530 on math OR ETS Parapro Assessment - A passing score of 460 is required.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff, and the school community.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.
• Employment experience working with children.

Nice To Haves

• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) preferred.
• CPR trained preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementation of educational activities.
• Supervise student(s) and direct, assist, and instruct them as appropriate in a school setting or Community Based Instruction job sites.
• Participate in meetings, committees, staffings, and other required district and building activities.
• Supplement instruction by assisting the teacher with individual or small groups of students on follow-up activities.
• Manage and instruct students on appropriate behavior using positive behavior support strategies.
• Assist the teacher in maintaining effective communication and relationships with students, parents, administrators, school personnel, and agency representatives.
• Assist students in meeting self-help, health, and behavior needs, including toileting and personal care.
• Help maintain the instructional area, supplies, equipment, and facilities in a clean and safe condition.
• Assist teachers and support staff in preparing materials, housekeeping, and record keeping and data collection relative to student performance.
• Participate in special instructional activities to meet program and student goals (e.g., loading/unloading buses, physical education, swimming, lunch & playground supervision, CBI, transitioning to adult living, field trips, etc.).
• Understand and be aware of medical and physical needs of students and follow medical protocol as directed by a licensed healthcare provider.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information (FERPA/HIPPA).
• Carry out responsibilities with little or no prompting.
• Assist in managing student behavior.
• Monitor students in the absence of the teacher.
• Comply with Medicaid billing when applicable.
• Follow established District policies/procedures regarding student medical concerns, safety, student rights, and emergency/disaster plans.
• Demonstrate professional behavior in manner and appearance.
• Work cooperatively with all building staff.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude toward students, parents, and staff.
• Demonstrate essential technology skills.
• Engage in physical management with students to maintain a safe environment.
• Promote self-esteem of students.
• Assist in materials preparation using classroom and office equipment.
• Assist in evaluating academic and behavioral performance of students.
• Assist in different work locations as directed.
• Maintain regular, timely, and predictable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree