Instructional Assistant (Special Education)

General Statement of Job

Under regular supervision, performs specialized work by assisting teachers in instructing and directing the activities of students to provide a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment. Assists with the routine care students as necessary. Reports to the principal.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions:

• Assists students with exercises and the preparation of materials for class activities; concentrates efforts with small groups of students and individuals as necessary.
• Reinforces all knowledge and skills taught by the classroom teacher.
• Assists teacher by administering and grading tests, recording grades, substituting as needed, escorting children to other areas of the school, and monitoring student behavior.
• At the kindergarten / elementary school level, listens to individuals and small groups in reading exercises; participates in free play time; assists with basic health needs and may accompany individuals to lavatories.
• At the high school level, may instruct students in the use of computer programs related to their respective subjects.
• May operate computers and provide basic computer instructional assistance to students.
• May manage a computer lab, performing without direct supervision various duties including enrolling students, maintaining records, operating and ensuring the proper maintenance of computers, troubleshooting computer problems, supervising students and maintaining a clean and orderly facility.
• Creates bulletin board displays in the classroom or department.
• Assists in maintaining student records and files, including performing computer data entry.
• Prepares transparencies, charts, graphs and duplicated materials for classroom use; operates and cares for audio-visual equipment.
• Assists in cleaning and storing of materials after completion of activities.
• Supervises students when unloading and loading buses, in the halls, on field trips, during lunch and on school grounds.
• Participates in staff development programs as required.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, teachers, students, parents, co-workers, school administrators, and other school/District personnel.
• Complies with all federal laws, state statutes, Board policies, administrative rules, and directives.

Additional Duties:

• Assists in maintaining a clean and orderly classroom.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Education and Training
Requires a minimum of 60 college hours from an accredited college or university or a passing score of 456 or above on the Praxis ParaPro Assessment, supplemented by 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.

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required
Physical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment, including a cooking equipment, kitchen appliances and utensils, etc. Must be able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Physical demands are in excess of those for sedentary work; must be able to remain on feet for extended periods of time, stoop, kneel, push, pull, etc. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to fifty pounds.

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 receiving assignments and/or directions from supervisor.

Language Ability:
Requires the ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, food manuals, recipes, etc. Requires the ability to prepare forms and reports with proper format. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with clarity, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:
Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions, and to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in or from standardized situations. Requires the ability to learn and understand principles and techniques, to make routine independent judgments in absence of supervision, and 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, and to follow verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds.

Numerical Aptitude:
Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, and to determine time and weight.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape; identify harmonious or contrasting combinations as in cooking; and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using kitchen machinery and utensils.

Manual Dexterity:
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, knives, kitchen utensils, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination:
Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament:
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing in uncomfortable physical conditions and under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. Worker may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree.

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

Performance Evaluation Criteria
Job Knowledge:
Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the District as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Instructional Assistant. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Has knowledge of the functions of Richland District One. Has knowledge of and skill in communicating effectively with special-needs students; has knowledge of the characteristics of the students assigned. Is able to provide effective care of students during daily routine. Has knowledge of basic computer operation if relevant. 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 reinforce skills taught by the teacher. Is able to follow lesson plans provided by the teacher. Is able to motivate students to participate in educational activities and to want to learn. 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. 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 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.

Cooperation:
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction, and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such 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:
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, co-workers 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:
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.