TITLE: Support Assistant

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS:

A minimum of 24 college level semester hours completed along with the approved Work Keys Assessments (see below). Meets minimum qualifications established by the Cumberland County Board of Education.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists the teacher with planning, organizing, and evaluating instructional activities; developing classroom procedures; preparing necessary materials; and presenting instructional activities as directed by the teacher.
• Assists the student to increase their confidence, self esteem and independence.
• Attends to the students physical and personal care needs.
• Assists the student who has difficulty communicating with others.
• Supports students in social activities throughout the total school program.
• Demonstrate respect for children of all abilities and from all social and cultural backgrounds.
• Develop good relationships with children, their parents, and with teachers and other professionals such as speech, occupational and physical therapists.
• Conducts self as a positive role model, enjoys working as part of a team and have a responsible attitude.
• Maintain confidentiality standards.
• Participates in Staff Development as required by Cumberland County Schools.
• Serves as team player and role model for other employees in the organization; demonstrates a commitment to continuous quality improvement; supports and exhibits organizational core values of caring, respect, integrity, responsibility, high expectations, being customer driven, and valuing diversity.

• Performs other duties and accepts responsibilities as assigned.

BASIC LIFE OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONS:

• Walking (within the classroom, to and from buses, cafeteria, recreational areas and other areas in the school and at school related activities away from the school.
• Climbs stairs as needed.
• Stoop, kneel and sit on floor to interact with students.
• Physically assist students in completing various motor activities including lifting and carrying.
• Grasping scissors and writing implements to teach fine motor skills and to complete required planning activities.
• Running when necessary to demonstrate motor skills and when necessary to maintain children in the designated instructional area.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS:

• To provide physical restraint when necessary.
• To feed students with disabilities who cannot feed themselves.
• To lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs, the floor, mat tables, the toilet and the bus, etc.
• To provide and assist students with personal hygiene, including changing diapers, menstrual pads, etc., needs during the school day.
• To provide CPR/First Aide when necessary.

ESSENTIAL VISUAL ACUITY FUNCTIONS:

• To visually track and supervise movements of children.
• To read IEP’s and other printed material.

ESSENTIAL AUDITORY ACUITY FUNCTIONS:

• Auditory acuity necessary to be aware of student verbal behavior and other auditory cues necessary for effective classroom management.

• Background check with local and state law enforcement agencies required.