Teacher Associate (Sp Ed - Behavior/ Lv II)

Southeast Polk Community School District • Pleasant Hill, IA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Teacher Associate works under the supervision of teachers or other licensed personnel, who retain responsibility for designing and implementing education and related service programs. The role contributes to students’ social, emotional, and intellectual growth and supports students with diverse needs in Pre-K through Grade 12. The position is based at Four Mile Elementary. The listed schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; hours and days assigned may vary based on need. The position is available as soon as possible and remains open until filled.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with the needs of Pre-K through Grade 12 students.
• Experience working in an educational setting.
• Ability to work with students with diverse needs.
• Successful completion of a physical, criminal background check, child abuse registry check, and pre-work screening at the time of hire.
• Ability to obtain required training, including medication administration certification, American Heart Association or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including standing throughout the workday; lifting up to 50 pounds to waist level; carrying up to 25 pounds for 50 feet; walking, running, and changing positions quickly; and sustaining kneeling, crouching, bending, and leaning postures for up to 40 minutes.
• Willingness to come into contact with body fluids and contagious diseases.
• Ability to use cleaning and sanitizing chemicals with appropriate PPE.
• Ability to work across a broad range of temperatures and humidity, in noisy environments, and with interruptions.
• Physical dexterity in limbs and digits sufficient to interact physically with children in playground and classroom settings.

Nice To Haves

• Successful work or volunteer experience with the disabled population.
• Supervisory experience with school-age children.
• At least 48 post-secondary credit hours or Paraeducator certification from the Iowa Department of Education.

Responsibilities

• Assist with small-group and individual student instruction and supervision.
• Help maintain a safe and orderly learning environment in classrooms, lunchrooms, playgrounds, on field trips, and in other school settings.
• Assist with classroom setup and preparation of materials.
• Assist with students’ physical or behavioral needs.
• Operate standard school equipment, including computers, copiers, and audio-visual equipment.
• Complete clerical tasks as assigned.
• Use standard universal health precautions and follow applicable health and safety practices.
• Read and comprehend material at the student’s grade level or above.
• Build rapport with students, motivate them positively, use positive reinforcement, and communicate effectively.
• Communicate effectively with staff and follow teachers’ directives and students’ IEPs.
• Follow Kronos rules for clocking in and out and report to the assigned center as scheduled.
• Remain patient and composed when working with students, including when encountering occasional bad language, threats of physical violence, or personal habits.
• Support students’ inclusion in the class and implement daily activities such as crafts, board games, and group games.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, orderly, and safe environment, and protect students’ health and safety in the building, outdoor play areas, and on field trips.
• Understand program policies and procedures and record behavioral incidents, including time-outs, problem reports, and accident reports.
• Keep assigned paperwork current and submit it on time, including Medicaid and student academic or behavioral data.
• Maintain confidentiality and discuss student needs only with staff who have an educational need to know.
• Serve as a positive role model and participate in home visits with the teacher when requested.
• Assist with preparing, serving, and cleaning up breakfast, lunch, and snacks as needed.
• Attend required staff meetings and maintain professional growth and required certifications and training, including Mandatory Reporting Training, First Aid, and CPR.
• Complete annual Bloodborne Pathogens training and perform other duties assigned by the teacher or principal.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED