Instructional Assistant III - Severely Handicapped (external )

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of functions pertaining to the care, instruction, and training of severely handicapped students; perform a variety of routine clerical and supporting activities for instructional and therapy personnel. Santa Maria-Bonita School District INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT III - SEVERELY HANDICAPPED BASIC FUNCTION Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of functions pertaining to the care, instruction, and training of severely handicapped students; perform a variety of routine clerical and supporting activities for instructional and therapy personnel. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Assist instructional and therapy personnel to plan, organize, and conduct instructional, training, and therapy activities with students experiencing various physical and learning handicapsE; reinforce and follow up learning and training activities with individual studentsE; monitor and assist children in a variety of self-help activities including dressing, feeding and use of bathroom facilities including bath and showerE; assist and aid students experiencing personal accidents and who have a limited control of body functionsE; assist in the management of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and techniquesE; observe and control behavior of students according to approved proceduresE; assist in the shaping of social behaviorE; supervise and discipline students according to approved policies and proceduresE; monitor and assist students in drill, practice and study activitiesE; direct students into safe learning activities and functionsE; assist physical therapy personnel in pursuing a prescribed program which may include limb manipulation, body movement, stretching, and swimming instruction as requiredE; assist in the development of communication skills for students with language and hearing disordersE; prepare lessons as directed by the teacherE; assist in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aidesE; perform routine first aid including emergency treatment of students experiencing seizures or respiratory problemsE; administer medication in accordance with specific medical instructionE; confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of severely handicapped studentsE; maintain confidentiality of student records and information according to established guidelinesE; accompany mainstreamed students to regular classrooms as assignedE; provide instructional assistanceE; direct student activities as assignedE; assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activitiesE; accompany students on field trips as assignedE; assist students wearing braces and other mechanical apparatusE; lift and move students as neededE; participate in staff meetings, inservice training programs and parent conferences as assignedE; perform a variety of routine clerical duties in support of instructional therapy personnelE; operate instructional and office equipmentE; perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics of severely handicapped children; Behavior management strategies and techniques, and a variety of reinforcement methods and strategies; Problems and concerns of students with special needs; Safe practices in classroom activities; Basic subjects taught in District schools including arithmetic, reading, writing, grammar, and spelling; Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct; Correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar and vocabulary; Methods, techniques, and procedures for lifting and moving children incapable of providing assistance; Basic first aid and emergency treatment procedures. Ability to: Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward severely handicapped children; Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment; Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities, communication and behavioral problems; Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities; Understand and follow oral and written directions; Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures; Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; Work confidentially with discretion; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to: Understand and work within scope of authority; Communicate effectively with children and adults; Learn the procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties; Operate a variety of educationally related machines and equipment; Learn to utilize a variety of instructional materials and procedures to enhance the training and educational environment for severely handicapped children. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination equivalent to: Graduation from High School supplemented by training and coursework in child growth and development, special education instructional technology, and subject areas dealing with the severely handicapped and two years of paid or volunteer experience working with severely handicapped children. WORKING CONDITIONS Environment: Indoor classroom environment. Physical Abilities: Sitting or standing for extended periods of time; Bending at the waist; Kneeling or crouching to assist students; Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations; Seeing to read assignments and to monitor student activities; Lifting heavy, non-compliant students. Hazards: Contact with dissatisfied or abusive students who bite, kick and slap; Potential exposure to communicable diseases and contact with blood and other body fluids. Approved: 02/25/98 \descripti\class\iaiiish Welcome to the Santa Maria-Bonita School District website. We are the largest school district in Santa Barbara County with about 17,500 pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade students. In the heart of the coastal agricultural area, we celebrate our families and the support they provide to the students of the District. The District is comprised of seventeen elementary schools, four junior high schools, and one combined elementary and junior high. The district is committed to a high-quality education for each student to develop students who are prepared for limitless possibilities and achievements using their unique gifts and talents to develop skills to reach their maximum potential. Our Beliefs We believe each person has inherent value and deserves respect. We believe all people belong, have a voice and can contribute. We believe every person has the power and responsibility to take action and make a positive impact. We believe equity is essential for all persons to thrive. We believe honesty and integrity build trust. We believe physical and emotional safety is foundational for personal fulfillment. We believe excellence comes from curiosity, experience, and perseverance. We believe that developing empathy inspires a kind community. We believe service is an act of love. We believe that there is strength and power in cultural diversity. We believe that a unified community inspires hope and faith. Our Mission The Mission of Santa Maria-Bonita School District, as the unifying force that cultivates and enriches our diverse community, is to ensure every student flourishes by discovering their passion and purpose, exercising self-determination, and developing the skills to reach their maximum potential through a student-centered culture distinguished by a whole child approach an inclusive environment community and family engagement transformational innovation and highly effective staff Parameters We will make decisions based on what is best for students. We will welcome all people with dignity and respect. We will practice responsible stewardship of all our resources. We will embrace, practice, and model integrity. We will not compromise our commitment to excellence.