Special Education Assistant

TRI-VALLEY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT JOB DESCRIPTION Title:SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT Reports to:Principal and assigned teacher Job Objectives:Performs a variety of non-teaching classroom support as directed by classroom teacher. Performs prescribed medical plans as directed by a licensed health care professional. Minimum·High school diploma. Qualifications:·Meets all mandated health requirements. ·A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment. ·Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies. ·Possession of a Para-Professional certificate as issued by the Department of Education that includes ESEA Endorsement. ·Self-directed and able to learn required skills for the position. ·Ability to assist students with disabilities (e.g., mobility, transferring, positioning, etc.). ·Congenial disposition and strong diplomacy skills. Note: Appointment may require successful completion of trainings for communicable disease, child abuse and neglect, CPR, first aid, and/or behavioral management training. ResponsibilitiesThe following duties are representative of performance expectations. A reasonable and Essentialaccommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to Functions:perform essential functions. ·Complete Comprehensive and ongoing trainings related to students with special needs. Checks with the teacher for instructions. Works with small groups and/or individual students. Seeks advice when expectations are unclear. ·Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures. ·Supports parent/community partnerships that enhance district programs. ·Helps students with remedial and/or enrichment activities. Reinforces instructional objectives introduced by the teacher. Maintains a positive learning environment. ·Offers help when students ask or their behavior suggests they need assistance. Avoids being intrusive. Solves student concerns discreetly. ·Helps students with disabilities participate in appropriate learning activities as directed. ·Assists with student mobility needs. Helps students use assistive and/or augmentative devices. ·Positions students to take full advantage of each learning environment (e.g., line-of-sight, proximity to equipment, height of work surfaces, etc.). ·Actively participates in programmed recreational activities as directed. ·Supervises rest periods when applicable. ·Monitors ill students until a parent/guardian arrives. ·Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information. ·Takes precautions to ensure safety. Watches for conduct that may indicate a problem. Works with staff to eliminate unacceptable behavior. ·Maintains high standards and upholds the student conduct code. ·Works with the classroom teacher to address persistent behavior problems. ·Supervises non-classroom activities as directed (e.g., arrival/departure, lunch, recess, field trips, library, computer lab, etc.). ·Promotes the proper use and care of school property. Reports student discipline problems, vandalism, and other related concerns. SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANTPage 2 of 3 ·Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect as required by law. ·Performs clerical work related to classroom activities. Prepares and distributes classroom materials. Maintains records as directed. ·Prepares classroom equipment for use (e.g., computers, media resources, etc.). ·Helps keep program and storage areas orderly (e.g., stores equipment, shelves books, cleans spills, etc.). Sanitizes equipment as directed. ·Participates in conferences and other required school events. ·Participates in staff meetings and professional growth opportunities as directed. ·Accepts personal responsibility for decisions and conduct. ·Wears appropriate work attire and maintains a neat appearance. ·Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others. ·Performs other specific job-related duties as directed. ·Follows prescribed medical plans (e.g., injections, glucose testing, feeding tubes) and/or assists students with personal hygiene care (e.g., toileting, catheterization, etc.) as trained by a licensed health care professional. ·Helps feed students. Complies with personal hygiene rules and standard sanitation procedures. ·Complete comprehensive and ongoing trainings related to special needs students. ·Familiarity of and use of visual organization tools schedules, calendars and/or checklists. ·Utilize social supports such as: social stories and comic strips. ·Ability to handle verbal and/or physically abusive students. ·Collect data on academic, social and behavioral goals. AbilitiesThe following characteristics and physical skills are important for the successful Required:performance of assigned duties. ·Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment. ·Performs prescribed activities efficiently with limited supervision. ·Reacts productively to interruptions and changing conditions. ·Effectively uses listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills. ·Completes paperwork accurately. Verifies and correctly enters data. ·Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness, and resilience. ·Exercises tact and self-control when dealing with other individuals. ·Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual. WorkingExposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent based on Conditions:circumstances and factors that may not be predictable. ·Duties may require bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, and standing. ·Duties may require lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment. ·Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle. ·Duties may require traveling to meetings and work assignments. ·Duties may require working in proximity to moving mechanical parts. ·Duties may require wearing protective clothing and using safety equipment. ·Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines. ·Potential for exposure to air-borne particulates, chemical irritants, combustible materials, electrical hazards, equipment vibrations, noises, and odors. ·Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases. ·Potential for interaction with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals. SPECIAL EDCUATION ASSISTANTPage 3 of 3 PerformanceJob performance is evaluated according to negotiated agreements and policy provisions Evaluation:adopted by the Tri-Valley Local School District Board of Education. The Tri-Valley Local School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability. Employees shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district. This job description summary does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed. This job description is subject to change in response to funding variables, emerging technologies, improved operating procedures, productivity factors, and unforeseen events. Revised: 10/18