Instructional Support Assistant (Manchester Academy)

About Our Program

The delbrook Academy Manchester is a highly motivating school environment with enriching, student-centered activities. The developmentally appropriate curriculum incorporates evidence-based practices, which assure individualized educational programming and includes discrete trial teaching and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) based methods.

JOB SUMMARY :

The Adelbrook Academy 1 : 1 Instructional Support Assistants for Cromwell, Middletown, and Manchester serves children & youth with autism spectrum disorders and developmental & intellectual disabilities. The Academies are an intensive, educational program for students requiring specialized instruction coupled with a comprehensive program targeted at improving skills in the domains of communication, social interaction, behavior, fine and gross motor, sensory regulation, and academics. The ISA will develop and implement behavioral & instructional strategies and activities, based on the student's IEP developed at the PPT, and will assist in delivering instruction based on individual student's needs in consultation with the classroom teacher, a Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA), Speech Language Pathologist (SLP), Occupational Therapist (OT), and School Clinician. The ISA will assist in creating a classroom environment that encourages productive learning and fosters positive behaviors and independence. S / he will work closely with the school-based team to support an educational environment conducive to effective learning. The ISA must have the ability to sensitively relate to children, staff, and parents in an educational environment. This is an academic year position, with an additional 34 days (7 weeks) during the summer program or Extended School Year (ESY). This position reports directly to an assigned supervisor or s / he designee and is sustained with the approval and funding by the LEA, as determined at the PPT. This is a non-exempt position.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provides 1 : 1 academic assistance based on teachers' lessons and assignments. Helps the student work on individual projects and assignments. Modifies instructional materials according to state and federal guidelines.
• Participates in school-wide and classroom-based behavior management while in the school setting to maintain classroom rules and positive student behavior. Respects the dignity and rights of all students and colleagues.
• Supervises students at all times with no exceptions, to include awareness of and compliance with child-specific Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), and agency or school procedures related to such. Observes and records individual student behavior as appropriate.
• Provides students with positive reinforcement and support as directed by the Individualized Educational Plan IEP / PPT and / or Behavior Intervention Plan.
• Observes and records student progress in academic, behavior, and social areas and reports progress to the teacher(s). Maintains confidentiality of all student information.
• Maintains student data needed for any requested reports.
• Protects the welfare and safety of students at all times. Utilizes Physical / Psychological Management Training (PMT) techniques to aid in deescalating students in crisis situations. Intervenes appropriately and competently in crisis situations, to include use of protective holds as appropriate. Maintains composure and emotional stability / control while working with students.
• Follows through on the classroom teacher's as well as supervisors' verbal and written directions. Follows agency and school policies and procedures. Works independently to complete the work assigned.
• Displays exemplary role modeling on the job and when in contact with the students being served.
• Provides a high level of hygiene and support to student(s).
• Performs other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher and / or supervisor and school / agency administration.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS : As a condition of employment, must successfully attain and maintain the following per agency standards (including but not limited to) : Training and yearly recertification in PMT [Physical / Psychological Management Training], Trauma Informed Care, CPR and First Aid. A valid driver's license and excellent driving record are requisite.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

Candidates must have a high school diploma / GED equivalent in junction with successful completion of the School Paraprofessional Certification. This requirement is required upon hire Candidates with two or more years of experience as a child support personnel in a school setting are preferred. Strong behavior management skills and experience is preferred. Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual & Behavioral Disorders must be demonstrated. Candidates must have a positive attitude, good communication skills, demonstrated good judgment and ability to establish effective rapport with students, families, and all colleagues. The ability to work with students and colleagues from diverse ethnic, economic, educational, and religious backgrounds is requisite as is commitment to exceeding standards of professional & ethical practices and responsibilities.

delbrook is committed to programs of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action. Accordingly, all decision affecting our staff are made on the basis of delbrook's mission, personnel policies and applicable state and federal laws. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, ancestry, veteran status, national origin, marital status or handicap.