Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Summary:

An Instructional Paraeducator assists a teacher in providing instruction to students. Duties may include, but are not limited to, follow-up activities to a teacher's lessons, small group or individual student support, assistance in preparing materials, assistance in record keeping, implementation of behavioral management systems, supervision of student personal care, and supervision of students.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Other duties may be assigned.

•Assist in the preparation and/or modification of instructional materials.
•Under the direction of the supervising teacher, provide instruction to individuals or small groups of students.
•Provide supervision to student(s) as requested and needed.
•Assist students in self care, as necessary.
•Perform clerical tasks including maintaining Medicaid and student data sheets as required.
•Maintain strict confidentiality of student information, providing information to parents, teachers, and others on a "need to       know" basis, only.
•Request assistance from the supervising teacher concerning instructional techniques, behavior management, specific duties,    or areas of conflict.
•Follow policy and procedures.
•Monitor students in crisis, including in-school suspensions.
•Attend staff and parent meetings as required .
•Provide alternate communication strategies for students as necessary.
•Support and implement the behavior management strategies and techniques developed by the teacher.
•Participate in required in-service training programs.
•Other duties as assigned or appropriate to the particular work setting.

Supervision Received: Reports to, receives daily work assignments, and is evaluated by Supervising Teacher and Building Administrator.

Supervisor responsibilities: None

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job function in an efficient and compliant manner. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job functions. 

Education: High school degree, or equivalent. Additionally, must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Associates Degree or higher
2. 45 College Credits
3. Accuplacer Test Scores of:
          a.Arithmetic equal or greater than 66,
          b.Elementary Algebra equal or greater than 42, and
          c.Reading Comprehension and Sentence Skills combined equal or greater than 180
4. Paraeducational Assessment, from The Master Teacher. Passing status on Reading, Writing, & Math: Instructional Support & Knowledge Application. Contact Director of Special Services for information.

Experience:

District requirements as outlined above. One year of directly relevant experience in a school setting
desired. Good working knowledge of children, knowledge of education, and teaching methods desirable.

Language Skills: Ability to read, interpret, and explain documents such as classroom assignment, professional documents, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively. Ability to provide effective instructional support and receive constructive feedback.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts (i.e. banking, discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume).

Reasoning Ability/Mental Requirements: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out
detailed written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving concrete variables in standardized situations in a safe, efficient manner. Must be able to multi-task to meet objectives on time, on budget.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Ability to communicate courteously, efficiently, and effectively with
a variety of individuals, including students, faculty, administrators, parents, and representatives of outside organizations. Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with peers, supervisors, parents, and outside agencies. Ability to show patience, respect and compassion in working with students. Ability to effectively resolve conflicts and handle stress.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Follow through and seeing tasks and projects to completion is essential.
• Pride in one's work and completion of a task.
• Willingness to assist others within changing conditions is essential.
• Good verbal and interpersonal skills with staff, students and fellow team members.
• Ability to recognize the importance of safety in the workplace, follow safety rules, practice safe work habits, utilize appropriate safety equipment and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate administrator.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of the job in accordance with federal , state, and Springfield School District requirements.
• Operating knowledge of and experience with personal computers and peripherals.
• Ability to utilize programs and applications used by the School District, including absence management tools, etc.
• Basic computer skills and experience with word processing programs. Understanding or ability to learn the Google Platform or other programs being used by students.

Cometencies: The individual in this position must possess the following:

Dependability- being reliable, punctual, responsible and fulfilling obligations.

Self-Control - maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior , even in difficult situations .

Stress Tolerance - accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Cooperation - being pleasant with others and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Concern for Oth ers - being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding.

Attention to Detail- being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Integrity- being honest and ethical.

Adaptability/ Flexibility - being open to change (positive or negative) and to variety in the wor kplace . Independence - guiding oneself with little or no supervision, depending on oneself to get things done.