Instructional & Behavioral Assistant

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SUBSIDIARY: Fairwold Academy

JOB OVERVIEW:

This position is responsible for the delivery of services and instructional activities for students in the program. The IBA collaborates with members of the instructional team in the planning and implementation of behavioral and academic interventions and supports to ensure students receive a quality educational program. The IBA also may support small groups or individual students as assigned by the Principal. The IBA functions under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher and reports to the Principal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Effectively manage the operation of a safe and orderly environment and assist in the ongoing implementation of the behavior management program in the classroom and in non-instructional areas, holding students accountable for their actions by establishing and enforcing PBIS.
• Provide support to the school community at all times to maintain a safe school environment. Provide support to students in crisis or those students demonstrating non-compliant behavior.
• Assist the teacher in observing, recording, and charting behavior. Input all required behavioral reports, incident reports, and other documentation in the maintenance of a safe school environment.
• Provide direct supervision and effectively manage instructional and non-instructional environments, including transitions, lunchroom, afternoon activities, and during approved instructional times that students utilize for breaks.
• Assist with planning and preparation, delivery, and assessment of academic and behavioral instruction.
• Actively engage students in learning activities.
• Effectively use PBIS, Mandt, and trauma-informed practices.
• Implement accommodations and adaptations as designated on a student’s IEP.
• Regularly attend professional development and transfers theory into practice.
• Maintain a classroom that fosters structure and support conducive to learning.
• Assist the teacher with regular communication with parents, guardians, and other team members.
• Adhere to all PHMC and Fairwold policies and procedures.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

SKILLS:

• Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of educational staff to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and maintain high professional standards with all stakeholders
• Excellent ability to work with students of all ages, academic levels, and from various cultural and ethnic backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to work with classrooms, small groups, or individual students as directed
• Demonstrated knowledge of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support, Mandt, and trauma-informed practices
• Demonstrated skills with computers, data systems, and electronic reports
• Demonstrated ability to understand and adhere to policies and procedures
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Sufficient mobility and ability to participate in managing the safety of a child through physical or personal interventions

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Provide direct supervision of students and effectively manage non-instructional environments, including arrival, dismissal, transitions, lunchroom, and all on-campus activities.
• Provide support to the school community at all times to maintain a safe school environment. Provide support to students in crisis or those students demonstrating non-compliant behavior.
• Assist the special education teacher and other professional staff with planning and preparation, engaging students and incorporating proactive management strategies for positive learning and behavior outcomes; assist students, individually and in small groups, with reading, mathematics, positive social interactions, technology, and language: implement student modifications and accommodations under the direction and supervision of the special education teacher.
• In the absence of the special education teacher, provide guidance and direction to students and substitute professional in the classroom management and instructional procedures for the classroom.
• Collect instructional and behavioral data. Input data into databases. Participate in problem-solving with professional staff to document and improve student learning and performance.
• Adhere to all proactive behavioral protocols, including Mandt, PBIS, and trauma-informed practices.
• Complete all behavioral and incident reports within designated timelines as designated by PHMC and Fairwold policy.
• Ensure student point sheets include positive and accurate daily feedback for effective and meaningful parent communication.
• Engage in full, active, and frequent participation in professional development events and opportunities and achieve a minimum of 20 hours of PDE-mandated professional development and the transfer of those skills into job performance.
• Maintain full and active compliance with all PHMC and Fairwold Academy policies regarding job performance and conduct standards and expectations.
• Perform all related duties and accept program assignments as directed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Routine school environment
• Employee may be involved in de-escalating student behaviors using mandatory approved techniques
• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens
• May transport students in agency in accordance with PA Department of Education and Department of Transportation requirements and school and PHMC procedures
• Ability to climb stairs and walk on uneven terrain, play yards and school grounds
• Ability to move rapidly, forward, backward, and laterally
• Physical capacity to lift, move, and position a student up to age 21 who may weigh 150 pounds or more with the assistance of other properly trained personnel
• Ability to independently utilize routine office equipment
• Ability to independently travel outside of school hours as determined by administration

The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have one of the following:
  • Associate degree
  • 60 postsecondary credits
  • High school diploma or equivalent and Credential of Competency for Special Education Paraeducators in Pennsylvania
• Preferred: One year of experience working with a special needs population in a school
• An understanding of emotional and behavioral disorders, mental health issues, autism, developmental delays, and intellectual disabilities

PAY GRADE: 14

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.