Special Education Instructional Assistant

Sheridan Sch Dist 48J•Sheridan, OR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision, the Special Education (SpEd) Instructional Assistant assists in supervising students and implementing behavioral and instructional programs. They perform various instructional duties, including assisting high-needs students in groups or one-on-one settings, often without direct teacher supervision; detailed instructions are given at the beginning of an assignment and on subsequent new assignments. However, after the employee becomes familiar with particular procedures, the work can be completed more independently. The employee should have patience and a genuine appreciation of youth. The SpEd Instructional Assistant receives general supervision from an assigned administrator and work direction from other licensed staff.

Requirements

Principles, practices, and techniques of instruction related to assignment.
Appropriate provisions of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or the ability to rapidly acquire a working knowledge of such provisions.
Proper child care techniques.
Techniques and methods of student supervision and classroom management in settings involving moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities and social/behavioral problems.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Modern office methods, practices, procedures, and computer/office equipment.
Possess the physical ability to regularly attend work and fulfill the position's essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Deliver instructional programs to students with moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities and/or social/behavioral problems.
Read, understand, and carry out oral and written instructions.
Accurately transfer, record, or convey information.
Work effectively in an environment that can be both physically and emotionally fatiguing.
Work with students who may exhibit aggressive, assaultive behavior, as required of specific job assignments.
Empathetically support students who have learning and/or physical disabilities.
Work with students who require attention to basic feeding and personal hygiene needs, as required of specific job assignments.
Learn Mandt techniques, as required, for specific job assignments.
Learn growth and development principles of students with special needs according to area of assignment.
Learn basic first aid and safety requirements.
Work in a team situation.
Understand and follow health protocols and learn how to deal with bodily fluids.
Understand and appropriately interpret Health Management Plans.
Understand and appropriately interpret Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or behavior plans.
Work independently without direct teacher contact to carry out the goals and objectives of an IEP or behavior plan.
Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
Perform physical job tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during work.
Adhere to the federal requirements for a drug-free workplace.
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is appropriate.
A representative way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by college-level course work or special vocational training in special education principles and practices, behavior management, and/or procedures related to basic physical/medical needs and personal hygiene.
May require Highly Qualified (HQ) Certification if assigned to a Title 1 school.
Two years of responsible instructional assistance experience, preferably involving contact with students with some form of learning, physical disability, or social/behavioral needs.

Responsibilities

Assist high needs students in groups, or in one-on-one settings
Supervises students, as directed, following all safety rules and taking a reasonable precautions to provide a safe and secure environment
With training, may administer medication
May assist students with washing, toileting (may include lifting on and off toilet), diapering, dressing and undressing, grooming and other activities necessary for maintaining personal hygiene and neatness.
Helps maintain a positive school-wide learning environment
Complies with professional development activities and training as required by the district
The following is a list of areas that you could be directed to supervise a student including but not limited to: classrooms, playground, cafeteria, hallway, bus loading and unloading areas, office, health room, restrooms, gyms, emergency drills, assemblies, and other areas as needed
Supervises students during recess, lunch periods, before and after school by keeping a safe and disciplined atmosphere on the playground, play area, the cafeteria, library, hallways and bus lines
Assists with the preparation of instructional materials by using copy machine or AV equipment, computer, and resource materials
Assists students in their understanding of instructional concepts by reemphasizing the basic elements of teacher-directed activities with those students needing additional and repetitive assistance
Assists with the correction of student work
Keeps accurate records and charts of student progress and routine clerical work
Collects and accounts for monies received
Assists others in the matters of filing, sorting, data collecting and organizing materials.
Fulfills other related duties as assigned