Instructional Assistant

DEFINITION

To improve student achievement by assisting a licensed teacher in the implementation of an individualized education program (IEP); to assist in the instruction of students with moderate to severe learning and/or physical disabilities by providing individualized and small group instruction and; to assist with student data collection and perform a variety of clerical duties in support of program Bridgeway House is an Autism school.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Positions in this classification perform instructional assistant duties in settings where personalized instructional programs and teaching techniques are used to address moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities or special social/behavioral, cultural, and language needs of the students. May work with small groups or in one-on- one tutoring. Requires aptitude and skill in working with the particular disability or learning needs of the students.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - May include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assisting in the planning and implementing of learning experiences of students enrolled in program; confers with teacher to provide feedback on student performance in tutorial and testing activities.

Interpreting individualized education programs and related instructional plans, within guidelines set by certificated teacher, and develops specific lesson and tutorial strategies based on knowledge of student aptitude.

Instructing students in small group and one-on-one settings, often without direct teacher oversight; revises lesson plan or teaching strategy during instructional activity as necessary to achieve IEP goals and objectives.

Conducting extensive student testing using prescribed test batteries; corrects tests and records scores on student IEP; informs teacher of any unusual academic or disciplinary problems.

Helping students develop positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults; promotes safety of the students by helping them develop self-confidence.

Deliver instructional programs to students who have moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities and/or social/behavioral problems.

Work effectively in an environment which can be both physically and emotionally fatiguing.

Work with students who may exhibit aggressive assaultive behavior, as required of specific job assignment.

Deal, in an empathetic manner, with learning and/or physical disabilities exhibited by students within area of assignment.

Work with students who require attention to basic feeding and personal hygiene needs, as required of specific job assignment.

Learn growth and development principles of students with special needs according to area of assignment.

Learn basic first aid and safety requirements.

Work in a team situation.

Understand and appropriately interpret IEP's.

Work independently in the absence of direct teacher contact, to carry out the goals and objectives of an IEP.

Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.

Perform physical job tasks.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is appropriate. A representative way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of responsible instructional assistance experience, preferably involving contact with students who have some form of learning or physical disability or special cultural, social/behavioral needs.

Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by college level course work or special vocational training in special education or bilingual education principles and practices, behavior management; and/or procedures related to basic physical/medical needs and personal hygiene.

Work Environment

Climate controlled classroom settings. Exposure to noise levels from moderate to loud and occasional to frequent time periods.

Physical Requirements

Hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to perform assigned duties; sitting for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files, reports and supplies; lifting light objects and lifting and positioning students. Intermittent walking, bending, twisting, squatting kneeling, crawling, climbing stairs, reaching. On feet throughout the day. Must be able to walk long distances with students. Must be able to lift 10-15 pounds if needed.

This is the position with 38 hours per week Monday through Friday. This position starts right away.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 38 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical Setting:

• Private school
• Special education school

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20