PAJARO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position:                      Instructional Assistant – General Education   Job Code:                   600 Department:               School Sites                                                         Reports To:                Principal or Designee   SUMMARY Assists teachers in the direct care and supervision of the students in a classroom.  Maintains and prepares classroom materials, attendance records, and student personnel files.  May provide instructional assistance to individuals or small groups of students.   NATURE AND SCOPE Works under general supervision of the classroom teacher.  Follows well-defined guidelines, policies and written procedures.  Exercises patience, tolerance and objectivity when working with individual or groups of students.  Uses judgment to determine students’ needs and when to seek assistance from instructor or other staff.  Work is in a classroom setting or outside supervising recreational activities.  Work is performed in a classroom or small group environment where there is moderate exposure to communicable disease and hygiene needs of students.   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is an entry level position in the Instructional Assistant series.  Instructional Assistants-General Ed provide assistance to teachers and students in a K-12 general education classroom.  ESSENTIAL TYPES OF DUTIES   (Duties may include but are not limited to the following)

• Works with instructor to assist in assessments and implement lesson plans by providing positive learning experiences for students.
• Assists the instructor in maintaining classroom discipline by observing the activities of the students and maintaining order.
• Gives each student individual and special attention each day.  Responds to each student’s particular needs and characteristics.  Insures that all students receive equal attention.
• Works with students in small groups for lessons in reading and writing.
• May assist instructor with attendance.  Phones individual parents regarding student’s attendance.
• Discuss with the teacher lessons and the progress of each student.
• Reports to the instructor any signs of illness or distress observed in the students.  Aids in dealing with the situation, as appropriate.
• Sets up and arranges supplies and equipment in the classroom as directed.  Prepares teaching aids, labels, charts, bulletin boards and displays as instructed.
• Helps to ensure that program policies and procedures are followed at the school site.
• May assist with communication and translation when requested.
• Performs additional related duties in order to accomplish the objectives of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge and Skills: Requires a basic knowledge of child guidance principles and practices and an understanding of the goals and objectives of the instructional programs.  Knowledge of arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading sufficient to assist students with homework or other projects is required.  Requires good communication skills to interact with students, staff and parents.  General knowledge of basic clerical and record keeping is necessary. Abilities:  Requires demonstrated ability to understand and interpret teacher's instructions in order to assist in instruction of children; to understand the needs and differences of children; to balance emotional support and discipline to deal with behavior problems; and to perform clerical and classroom support duties with minimum supervision.  Requires the ability to communicate with students, staff, parents and the public using patience and courtesy, and in a manner that reflects positively on the District.  Must be able to work well independently and as part of a team. Physical Abilities:  Requires sufficient visual acuity and depth perception to recognize letters and numbers, and to observe the activity of children and other recipients.  Requires lifting of light to moderate objects (under 50 pounds) and lifting of infants and toddlers.  Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to walk 100 meters, and hand and finger dexterity and hand/eye coordination to use a computer keyboard and common office equipment.  Requires speaking and hearing ability sufficient to hear over a phone and carry on conversations.
Minimum Qualifications (Education and/or Experience): This is the minimum experience and education/training standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for examination as approved by the Personnel Commission on December 18, 2008. Completion of an AA degree and six (6) months of experience working with students in a classroom or other organized setting.  or  A High School Diploma or completion of GED and 48 college units or the ability to pass an NCLB required exam provided by the District and six (6) months of experience working with students in a classroom or other organized setting. License and Certificates:  Must be able to obtain CPR and First Aide Certification