Instructional Assistant - Deaf/Hard of Hearing

The Position

Health Benefits: 100% employer contribution towards employee and family premiums

District: Award-winning schools

Community: World-famous attractions

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the general supervision of an administrator and general direction of a classroom teacher and specialists, assists in the instructional support, personal care, and supervision of students who have hearing impairments; provides support in developing academic abilities to enable students to function effectively in a standard classroom situation; some positions may use total communication (e.g., sign language) to instruct students in accordance with prescribed learning objectives performs other related duties as required.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION

EDUCATION:

College-level course work directly related to this classification, such as Psychology, Child Development, Special Education or a related field is required.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of two years paid experience working with special needs students in an instructional setting. Previous experience working with students with hearing impairments is highly desirable.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Some positions in this classification may require experience working with individuals who can communicate or be communicated with only through sign language. Substitution: Completion of coursework in interpreting for the deaf may be substituted for the required experience.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid CPR/First Aid certificate and any other certifications pertaining to this position at time of application and throughout employment.

CONDITIONS: Successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Strategies and techniques of assisting in the instruction of students with hearing impairments.

Special characteristics related to the supervision and motivation of special needs students in an instructional setting.

Child guidance principles and practices related to individuals with hearing impairments.

Emergency crisis management techniques.

Secondary-level academic subjects taught in District schools.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

Record-keeping and report preparation techniques.

Effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

Appropriate safety precautions and hygiene standards.

Health and safety regulations.

First Aid and CPR.

ABILITY TO:

Operate assistive technology used by students with hearing impairments.

Use total communication (e.g., sign language) continuously while performing tasks.Be flexible and accept direction from certificated staff.

Effectively utilize training received on the job.

Assist in the supervision of students in the classroom and outdoors.

Assist students with personal care such as dressing and toileting.

Follow safety procedures.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students and staff.

Work as a team.

Demonstrate an understanding, patient, warm and receptive attitude toward students.

Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Recognize and effectively assist in responding to emergency and/or hazardous conditions.

Administer First Aid and CPR.

Document and maintain accurate daily written documentation of specific services performed.

Make accurate mathematical calculations.

Maintain confidentiality of student records.

Perform routine clerical support duties.

Operate standard classroom equipment and computers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Incumbents in this class must be able to stand for long periods of time; run or walk long distances and/or quickly for short distances to keep pace with students; sit, kneel, stoop/bend repeatedly; lift, carry, push and/or pull up to 50 lbs. unassisted and over 50 lbs. with assistance; use both hands and legs simultaneously, reach over head, pull hand over hand, use fingers repetitively twisting or applying pressure with wrists or hands'; have rapid mental/muscular coordination; maintain balance; have depth perception, see to read small print and distinguish shades; must speak clearly and hear normal voice conversation; and use a telephone and a computer.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Incumbents in this class work inside and outside, in a multiple or single classroom environment; direct contact with students, staff, and public; work around foul odors, loud noise; work with exposure to bodily fluids, minor and/or major contagious illnesses; wear gloves; works in negative interpersonal situations (irate students or parents); and work with continuous interruptions and changing priorities.

Examples of Duties

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification, and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified employees can perform the essential duties of the job.

SPECIALIZED ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Assists in providing instructional support with the presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises to students with hearing impairments.

Supports hearing impaired students in integrative settings and/or inclusive environments.

Confers with classroom teacher or specialist to prepare future learning materials so that they may be adapted for the hearing-impaired students; assists in preparing instructional materials in a suitable format.

Assists the speech therapists and reinforces students' correct articulation and grammar under the direction of the speech therapists and certificated staff; uses visual cues as much as possible to support oral instruction and directions.

GENERAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Assists students by answering questions and providing examples, emotional support, friendly attitude, and general guidance; works with students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning activities in a variety of academic subjects ranging from basic to advanced levels; assists with social skills development.

Ensures that students with hearing impairments understand the classroom rules and procedures.

Explains and assures that students with hearing impairments understand the classroom assignments and homework instructions.

Takes copious notes of classroom lectures in order to supplement students' note taking.

Operates classroom equipment; sets-up work area, decorates, and sets-up displays; distributes and collects paper and supplies.

Prepares classroom environment for student (proper desk, space for equipment, peer assistance); assists in providing proper physical setting conducive to communication needs.

Assures that assistive technology used by the students are working properly; assists with the set-up of specialized equipment before instruction begins.

Translates oral or written English into total communication (e.g., sign language).

Assists in administering, proctoring, scoring tests and papers, and charting student progress.

Implements emergency crisis management techniques.

Administers first aid and/or CPR as necessary; reacts effectively to emergencies.

Escorts students to and from designated locations as assigned; may push students in wheelchairs.

Provides assistance in self-help training in feeding, grooming, brushing teeth, toilet training, changing diapers, and other hygiene related tasks.

May assist other Instructional Assistant staff in performing specialized health care procedures and/or monitoring students who demonstrate severe behaviors as assigned.

Provides assistance to students who use bus transportation as necessary.

Maintains confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.

Assists with student supervision in classrooms, lunch rooms, and various outdoor activities.

Maintains inventory of equipment and instructional materials.

Works as a team with other staff; attends and participates in a variety of trainings, meetings, and workshops to maintain current knowledge, which includes developments in the field of special education and emergency crisis management.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $24.66 - $32.50 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Public school
• School
• Special education school

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No nights
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $33