Interim: Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant

Wilkes County Schools•Hays, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Teacher Assistant – Exceptional Children performs technical and clerical tasks to assist a teacher of students with disabilities. The role supports the teacher, meets students’ needs, and helps provide quality instruction. Duties include individual academic, functional-skills, and behavioral assistance; leading small-group activities; and supporting classroom housekeeping and clerical work. The position also provides physical care according to students’ Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Health Plans, maintains student records, and helps ensure student safety and well-being. Employees hired effective September 1, 2018, or later must substitute as a bus driver as needed and must hold, or be willing and eligible to obtain, a CDL with Passenger and School Bus endorsements at the next training opportunity.

Requirements

Meet one of the following qualifications: a two-year degree; at least 48 semester hours of college coursework; or WorkKeys reading, writing, and math assessments with a passing bronze-level score (level 3).
For employees hired effective September 1, 2018, or later, hold a Commercial Driver’s License with Passenger (P) and School Bus (S) endorsements, or be willing and eligible to obtain one at the next training opportunity. Failure to pursue the license at that opportunity, or ineligibility to obtain it, could result in a recommendation for dismissal.
Ability to use computers, copiers, equipment for children with special needs, and other classroom tools.
Ability to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.
Ability to solve practical problems using rational systems and to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions where standardization is limited.
Ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, follow oral and written instructions, and communicate effectively in Standard English.
Ability to work with people beyond simply giving and receiving instructions, and to adapt when under stress or dealing with people who are under stress.
General knowledge of teacher activities, classroom routines, emergency procedures, methods for adapting instruction and equipment for children with special needs, and principles of organization and administration.
Some knowledge of the curriculum for the grade.
Ability to monitor student safety and well-being, motivate students, maintain a clean and orderly environment, perform general clerical duties, maintain classroom safety and discipline, operate common office machines, maintain basic files and records, and establish effective working relationships.

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher with executing instruction and evaluating its effectiveness.
Interact with students in an age-appropriate manner that reflects an understanding of their individual needs, abilities, and disabilities.
Maintain confidentiality of student information.
Monitor student safety and well-being, encourage self-esteem, and help students become increasingly independent.
Monitor student behavior, help maintain classroom discipline, and assist with crisis prevention and de-escalation as needed.
Support student learning by reinforcing and clarifying instructions, conducting short skill-building sessions, creating or modifying instructional materials and tests, and providing individual assistance.
Use assistive technology and augmentative communication devices for school-related activities as needed.
Carry out physical care routines specified in students’ IEPs or Health Plans, including personal hygiene, feeding, and medication administration.
Assist students with daily living skills, including toileting, feeding, and diaper changes.
Maintain standardized records and documentation concerning student progress.
Keep the classroom orderly and perform related equipment repair and maintenance tasks.
Perform clerical tasks, including maintaining progress records and class files, developing and filing incident reports, grading papers and scoring tests, checking attendance, making copies, preparing classroom displays and instructional materials, operating audiovisual equipment, and ordering supplies.
Participate in staff development as directed.
For employees hired effective September 1, 2018, or later, substitute as a bus driver as needed.
Perform other related work as required.

Benefits

Health insurance
Annual leave
Sick leave
Holiday pay
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
State pension plan
Other ancillary benefits, with eligibility determined by job status and percentage of employment
Local salary supplement of 5%