BASIC FUNCTION:

The job of Instructional Assistant Special Needs is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; assisting in meeting special needs, including feeding, toileting, positioning, monitoring, and behavioral concerns; and attending IEP meetings.

This job reports to Designated Administrator.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Essential Functions

Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs.

Administers tests, homework, make-up work, etc. for the purpose of supporting teachers in the classroom.

Assists students with special hygiene needs in cleaning them, toileting them, and changing their diapers and clothes for the purpose of achieving optimal sanitary standards for the pupils.

Assists staff members in positioning students and in rendering various forms of personal care as required (e.g. eating, dressing, undressing, grooming, etc.) for the purpose of addressing individual needs and safety.

Assists certified teacher in organizing, and conducting instructional activities with physically fragile and learning disabled students for the purpose of achieving classroom and program goals and adhering to mandated standards.

Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students with personal hygiene (e.g. wash hands and faces, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene.

Attends meetings and in-service presentations as assigned (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.

Communicates with supervising instructional staff and professional support personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives and reporting any health concerns or behavioral changes.

Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

Lifts and positions students in and out of wheelchairs positions, braces and into other orthopedic equipment for the purpose of placing students in a safe and comfortable place to sit and/or stand.

Maintains instructional materials and/or manual and electronic files/records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.

Monitors self-feeding students for the purpose of ensuring students eat safely and without discomfort.

Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

Operate various medical equipment, as authorized following adequate training, and under direct supervision (e.g. gastronomy, and orthopedic equipment, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring students remain safe and secure while in school.

Provides, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in school.

Marginal Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

INITIAL/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• Two (2) years of experience working with children in an instructional setting is preferred.
• ALL CANDIDATES MUST TAKE AND OBTAIN A PASSING SCORE on the Lynwood Unified School District Proficiency Assessment (Written Examination), which meets a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrates, through a formal academic assessment, knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics.  
• Any other combination of education, training, and experience, which demonstrates that the applicant is likely to possess the required skills, knowledge, or abilities, may be considered.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification issued by the American Red Cross or any agency authorized by the American Red Cross (WILL BE REQUIRED WITHIN 3 MONTHS UPON OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT).
• Valid First Aid certification issued by the American Red Cross or any agency authorized by the American Red Cross. (WILL BE REQUIRED WITHIN 3 MONTHS UPON OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT).
• Employees must maintain up-to-date certifications in CPR and First Aid during employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and solve practical problems. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using a variety of standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; working with constant interruptions; and developing and maintaining positive working relationships.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is some opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 90% sitting, 5% walking, and 5% standing. The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment and in a clean atmosphere.