Adult Education Instructional Assistant, Welding

Provides instructional, tutorial, technical, and clerical assistance to students either in a classroom, workshop, or walk-in setting, who are involved in basic adult education, non-credit or pre-college course work, or who work under the close guidance of an Instructor in a certificate program.  Assembles and sets up equipment, supplies, and work stations used in teaching laboratory demonstrations and simulations.  Tasks performed require technical competence in the subject taught.

The Adult Education Instructional Assistant specializes in classroom, workshop, and walk-in instructional support for adult students.  The focus is toward working one-on-one with students in a lab or other environment where the emphasis is on tutorial assistance, completing assignments, setting up learning stations, issuing materials and/or tools, and providing related clerical support.  Assistants implement learning exercises, administer and score tests, and conduct demonstrations and simulations that support instruction in a class setting.  Assistants assigned to the Welding and Fabrication program will demonstrate competency in assisting students develop and increase welding skills, preparing students to pass certification tests and learning various welding and fabrication techniques.

• Tutors and instructs students in small group and individual settings within a classroom or laboratory environment to develop and increase skills in welding.  Provides direct assistance in the use of equipment and materials needed for instruction as well as orienting students to the laboratory or workshop.
• Works with instructors to design, construct, modify or rebuild equipment, modules, experiments that will be used in the classrooms/laboratories.
• Assists instructors in the classroom/laboratory concurrently with lecture or discussion.  May actually perform more complex procedures for students.
• Acquires, maintains, and inventories equipment, materials, and supplies such as but not limited to tools, parts, metal items, consumable supplies etc., and written materials and manuals required for student instructional needs.  Checks out and maintains control over tools, equipment, supplies, and materials used by students.
• Inspects and performs repairs on welding and related equipment.
• Provides assistance to students in the purpose, procedures, and use of tools, equipment and materials.  Sets up, tests, and takes down work stations used in classes and laboratories. Provides technical assistance to students, troubleshooting and diagnosing problems with equipment.
• Cleans equipment and work areas.  Handles and disposes of harmful or hazardous materials according to specific instructions relating to their disposal.
• Maintains records of classroom, laboratory and tool/supply room activity, including preparation of forms, inputting data or otherwise retaining information on the condition, maintenance, and distribution of equipment, materials, supplies, and manuals.
• Performs regular and recurring clerical functions related to the program.  Ensures that students sign into the laboratory.  Prepares orientation and testing schedules.  Organizes for easy access and use, and may rewrite learning materials.  Maintains files of answer keys, answer sheets, laboratory instructions, modules, charts, and signs.  Records attendance.  Orders materials and supplies.
• Serves as a liaison between the student and instructors and tutors.  Keeps instructors apprised of student progress. 
• Reads and maintains up-to-date familiarity with materials used in welding and fabrication subjects.
• May proctor tests in the absence of the instructor.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.
• Knowledge and Skills

§  Assists with presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises.  Assists in conducting lessons and with other classroom activities such as lab projects, small group exercises, and independent study.  Reinforces learning experiences for students.

The position requires:  Working knowledge of industrial and commercial welding, including but not limited to, MIG, TIG, and ARC.  Working knowledge of laboratory or workshop procedures, organization, equipment, tests, experiments, and simulations.  Knowledge of basic inventory methods.  Working knowledge of materials that can be used to enhance or supplement student learning.  Working knowledge of tutorial and instructional techniques.  Working knowledge of computer-aided instructional techniques and software applications that enhance learning.  Basic knowledge of standard and common office clerical practices.  Sufficient knowledge of and skill in using proper English grammar, vocabulary, syntax, spelling and punctuation, to critique and offer instructional assistance to student assignments.  Sufficient human relation skills to convey technical concepts to others and to facilitate a small group learning process.

Requires the ability to:  Carry out all the responsibilities of the job including general instructional support, providing general education tutoring and instruction for adult students of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and skill levels.  Guide activities of students.  Operate and maintain welding equipment, torches, and power saws.  Instruct students in the use of equipment.  Read and understand operating manuals.  Make informal welding demonstrations to small peer groups, for example study groups; instruct students in the use of equipment.  Relate positively to students in a teaching/learning environment, develop and maintain effective working relationships, and recognize learning abilities and make the appropriate referrals for assistance.  Listen actively and effectively, identify and solve problems; facilitate learning for students, and build student confidence in general learning ability.  Assist with supervising students and administering tests.  Perform general clerical tasks.  Operate computer hardware and utilize software applications that are dedicated to the subject matter.  Organize and prioritize work and manage time effectively.  Work varying schedules including evenings.  Maintain confidentiality of student and school information.  Learn district regulations, policies and objectives applicable to assigned programs.

Requires:  the ability to stand for extended periods of time, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) objects of medium weights on a regular basis; ability to stoop, kneel, and crouch on a continuous basis; sufficient hand-eye coordination, hand and finger dexterity including ability to grasp small devices as well as specialized tools, and visual acuity to accurately operate and apply welding equipment, read small incremental instrumentation, and read technical and safety information; and sufficient auditory ability to observe work and moving objects.

Requires graduation from high school or equivalent and one year of experience providing assistance to students in a school shop instructional program or welding in an industrial/commercial environment.

*Completion of 48 semester units at an institution of higher education, or an associate’s (or higher) degree highly desirable.  Incumbents hired into this classification, and who have completed (and provided proof) of this level of education will be assigned as an Adult Education Instructional Assistant at salary range 55.

May require a valid California driver’s license.

Work is performed indoors where safety considerations exist from physical labor and hazardous materials.