SPED-Classroom Assistant

Job Title:

Classroom Assistant of Special Education 

Salary Class:

CA 20

Location

RN Beck

PCS Code:

See Below 

Reports to

Principal

Position Type: 

Full-Time/Non Exempt

General Statement of Job 

The job of the Special Education Teaching Assistant was established for the purpose(s) of working with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher in the supervision and instruction of students; assisting students by modeling the necessary skills to perform assignments; following educational and specific behavioral plans; modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions with students and staff; and assisting student by providing for special health care needs. Employees in this classification will receive a variety of assignments including classroom support, lunchroom, playground, etc

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the classroom teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives. 

• Communicates with teachers and other district personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives. 

• Implements under the supervision of assigned teachers, instructional programs and lesson plans (e.g. reading, math, language comprehension, writing, computer, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.  

• Maintains classroom equipment and work area for the purpose of ensuring availability of a safe learning environment and/or meeting mandated requirements. 

• Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, assemblies, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment. 

• Promotes good study habits and student independence for the purpose of improving the quality of student outcomes. 

• Provides, under the supervision of the assigned teacher, instruction to students in a variety of individual and group activities (e.g. self esteem, behavioral skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of implementing goals for remediation of student deficiencies and ensuring student’s success. 

• Documents student’s daily activities (e.g. behavior, completed assignments, on/off task times, etc.) for the purpose of completing daily logs and student’s hourly activities. 

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

• Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner. 

• Monitors student’s daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. class schedule, toileting, medication, appetite, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment. 

• Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured students, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution. 

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

• Assists the assigned staff member(s) in all aspects of daily programming including, but not necessarily limited to: social, academic, behavioral and self-help growth and development.

• Assists in the direct supervision of children in the assigned program as directed by the teacher or administrator (e.g. bus loading, classroom assignments, lunch, recess, etc.) 

• Demonstrates understanding of students’ disabilities; keeps firm hand and is courteous and fair 

• Loads/unloads wheelchair bound students on the bus, and/or waits with students for transportation.

• Participates in physical activities which are part of the students’ basic program.

• Assists students in the restroom as necessary, and may have to change diapers. 

• Demonstrates flexibility in schedule and activities throughout the day. 

• Demonstrates cooperation, openness for growth and willingness to contribute in a team approach. 

• Communicates, collaborates, and cooperates with colleagues, supervisors, and students. 

• Maintain confidentiality regarding all aspects of his/her work with special education children and other staff. 

• Participates in all meetings, training programs, and in-service sessions as assigned by the building or district administrator. 

• Performs such other duties as may be directed by the building or district administrator.

Essential Functions 

Physical Requirements:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing.  This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy indoor environment with work inside about 85% of the time and work outside about 15% of the work schedule. The employee must frequently move up to 50 pounds such as adaptive equipment and supplies and also work with members of the team to address student’s physical needs (e.g. positioning students under the direction of the physical therapist, bathrooms needs, etc.). 

Data Conception:

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications:  

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.  Includes giving assignments and/or directions to subordinates and receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisors.

Language Ability:

Requires the ability to read a variety of policies and procedures, professional journals, reference materials, etc. Requires the ability to enter data into the computer and prepare correspondence, narrative and numerical reports,purchase orders, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.  Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:  

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.  Requires the ability to apply influence systems in managing a supervisory/management staff; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.  Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude:

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages.

Numerical Aptitude:

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, and to determine time.  Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information. 

Motor Coordination: 

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery.

Manual Dexterity: 

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. 

Interpersonal Temperament: 

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. 

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear)

Training and Experience 

Requires a minimum of 60 college hours from an accredited college or university, supplemented by a minimum of two years of consistent training and experience working with children in an education-oriented institution, providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  May require specialized training in conflict resolution and behavior modification.

Performance Criteria Evaluations

Job Knowledge: 

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the District as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Special Education Classroom Assistant.  Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and Florence 1 Schools.  Has knowledge of the characteristics of the age group assigned. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: working with emotionally, physically and/or mentally impaired students; maintaining confidentiality; maintaining composure under stressful situations; communicating with diverse groups; adapting to changing work priorities; working as part of a team; applying common sense understanding to carry out instructions; dealing with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations; effectively presenting information in one-to-one and group situations to students; and working with frequent interruptions. Is able to establish and maintain positive relationships and work effectively with adults and children.  Is able to supervise, guide and support students.  Is able to motivate students to participate in educational activities and to want to learn. Has through knowledge of skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include:  adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent job related software applications; and basic mathematical skills (e.g. add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent, draw and interpret graphs, etc.).  Has the ability to offer guidance and assistance to students, co-workers and employees of other departments as required.  Has the ability to use independent judgment as needed in performing routine and non-routine tasks. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: concepts of grammar and punctuation; reading fluency and comprehension; age appropriate activities; and health and safety standards.  Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to read and interpret lesson plans, instructions, student records and other materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.   Knows how to prepare graded papers, display materials, hand-outs, etc. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation.  Is able to perform job tasks professionally in an environment where discrimination and other public issues are constant concerns.  Is able to make sound, educated decisions.  Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.  Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations.  Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities.  Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills.  Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. 

Quality of Work: 

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.  Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments and divisions, co-workers and the public.  

Quantity of Work: 

Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce a quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District.

Dependability: 

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work.  Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives,  District policy, standards and prescribed procedures.  Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.  Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability.  Strives to anticipate work to be done, and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: 

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility.  Identifies problems or situations as they occur, and specifies decision objectives.  Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations.  Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors.  Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Monitors the activities/behavior of the student body to ensure student safety and well-being.

Cooperation:

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction, and strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same.  Questions such as instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc.). Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District. 

Relationships with Others:

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and district benefit.  Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees.  Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staff and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good district image.  Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District.  Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the District.  Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public.

Coordination of Work:

Plans and organizes daily work routine.  Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.  Avoids duplication of effort.  Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly.  Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.  Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.  

Safety and Housekeeping: 

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies.  Sees that standards are not violated.  Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

DISCLAIMER:  This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Terms of Employment 

 190 Salary and work year to be established by the district.

For Human Resources and Finance Department:

PCS CODES:   

930006: Classroom Assistant Autistic     930004 Classroom Assistant Applied Behavior Therapist      930012: Classroom Assistant DDSC                        930005: Classroom Assistant ED              930008: Classroom Assistant EMD                                             930003: Classroom Assistant LD                                                                   930010: Classroom Assistant OD             930002: Classroom Assistant PMD                                             930000: Classroom Assistant Special Needs          930014: Classroom Assistant TMD          930009: Classroom Assistant Transition