Student Support Associate

Job Summary Assist the classroom teacher in helping students increase their academic and social skills, preparing them for inclusive activities in general education classrooms. Maintain a safe, orderly environment and reduce disruptive behaviors on school grounds. Under the teacher’s guidance, facilitate all goals and objectives in each student’s IEP, including functional academic programming, small group instruction, and one‑on‑one tutoring. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assist in personal hygiene programming, health and safety procedures, and medication administration. Supervise and assist students with environmental mobility, adaptive physical education, field trips, and assemblies. Support students during the day with movement between classes, Arts, Music, Physical Education, occupational therapy, and recess. Carry out teacher‑directed activities, including preparing specialized teaching aids and materials. Enforce classroom rules and procedures to maintain a supportive, inclusive learning environment. Use appropriate reinforcement strategies such as prompting, modeling, and shaping. Collaborate with teachers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech/language pathologists as directed. Provide feedback and reinforcement consistent with the teacher’s behavior management plan. Maintain confidentiality of all student records and information. Keep the classroom and surrounding areas clean, sanitary, and safe. Record behavioral data and incident reports. Assist students in completing classroom assignments and reinforcing concepts introduced by the teacher. Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration with all members of the school community. Participate in ongoing professional development specific to student and classroom needs. Attend and contribute to IEP and team meetings and conferences. Model appropriate dress, language, and behavior for students. Plan and organize tasks to meet schedules and deadlines efficiently. Promote a respectful atmosphere for students and adults. Follow universal health and safety precautions. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Follow directions and instructions accurately. Implement student behavior techniques and address inappropriate behavior proactively. Respond to crisis interventions promptly. Understand district and school programs and apply them as needed. Possess or be willing to receive Crisis Prevention Intervention training. Work collaboratively and provide positive contributions to the instructional team. Communicate verbally and in writing with students, colleagues, families, and administrators. Show genuine interest in helping students and patience in challenging situations. Support students’ independence and success in classroom activities. Maintain professional growth and complete mandatory training, including reporting, first aid, and CPR. Assume duties assigned by administration or teachers. Professional Standards Quality of work: Provide instructional support and encourage positive learning behaviors. Quantity of work: Complete tasks efficiently and seek additional responsibilities. Knowledge of job: Understand professional strategies and deliver consistent performance. Creativity and problem solving: Offer new ideas and improve task performance. Interpersonal skills: Collaborate politely and promote a positive image within the school community. Dependability: Be punctual, reliable, and handle crises calmly. Professional appearance: Dress appropriately and maintain grooming standards. Organizational skills: Prioritize work and enhance productivity. Technical skills: Use required computer applications effectively. Communication: Convey information clearly in both written and verbal form. Managing change: Support new organizational changes and adapt accordingly. Professional approach: Show loyalty, follow administrator requirements, and collaborate professionally. Flexibility: Remain open to organizational changes and adapt practices. Safety: Know and follow health, safety, and emergency procedures. Supervisory Responsibilities If required, supervise one or more special‑needs students and other students throughout the building and playgrounds. Minimum Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent. Experience working with students (preferred but not required). Experience in a special education department or related field (preferred). Experience with behavior and learning‑challenged students. Licensure or Certification CPR certification (adults, children, infants, AED). First aid certification (preferred). Crisis Prevention Intervention training (preferred). Annual mandatory reporting for child or dependent adult abuse. Physical Demands Stand constantly during the work shift. Maintain appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness. Work with interruptions and varying personalities. Lift up to 80 pounds to waist level with assistance; up to 30 pounds to shoulder level; up to 25 pounds above head level. Carry up to 50 pounds for a distance of 20 feet or up 10 steps. Perform trunk rotation and squatting for up to 2 minutes. Wear PPE when using cleaning chemicals. Adapt to varying temperature and environmental conditions. Handle contact with bodily fluids and contagious diseases. Pass a pre‑employment physical. Work Environment Noise level ranges from quiet to loud depending on activity and time of day. Some supervisory duties require work outside in all weather conditions. Limited or no air conditioning in some areas. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement The district is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing a safe and equitable workplace for all employees, regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or genetic information. #J-18808-Ljbffr