INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT
.875 FTE (7hrs/day)
REPORTS TO: Teacher, Principal and/or Director.
CHARACTERISTICS: Employees in this job classification are directly involved in the instructional program for assigned students and their identified needs and abilities. Responsibilities include in and out of classroom supervision of students, small group, and one-to-one instruction of students, and general assistance to the teachers, as well as other duties as assigned. Employees may be considered in a high-risk category for exposure to body fluids and human excrement.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
* High School Diploma or equivalency
* Experience working with students in an educational environment is preferred
* Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
* Must be able to be on feet for up to 5 hrs.
* Must be able to squat and sit next to students when needed
* Work well with students and staff in the school setting.
Knowledge of:
* Teaching methods and procedures.
* Record-keeping systems.
* Copiers, computers, and other equipment.
* Instructional materials and their uses and instructional procedures.
* Student behavior, methods to assure proper conduct and discipline.
* Rules and regulations of the playground.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
* Monitors special education students.
* Assists students in their understanding of instructional concepts.
* Provides students with additional practice on identified skill areas.
* Re-emphasizes the basic elements of teacher-directed activities.
* Informs teacher/case manager of students’ progress.
* Keeps records and charts of student progress.
* Maintains records in compliance with state and federal guidelines.
* Provides input regarding student report cards.
* Assists with the supervision of students both inside and outside of the classroom.
* Teaches appropriate behavior and interactions with students and staff.
* Incorporates IEP requirements within students’ daily lesson plans.
* Assists with preparation of teaching aids and material.
* Operates instructional equipment.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
* Provides detailed one-to-one assistance with personal hygiene and appropriate bathroom skills if needed.
* Teaches and physically assists with daily life-skills.
* Provides opportunities for social interactions with staff and other students.
* Mainstreams students in a regular classroom when appropriate.
* Seeks additional appropriate growth opportunities with the school environment.
* Collects and accounts for monies received (lunch, book club, field trips, etc.).
* Fulfills other educationally related duties as assumed or assigned by the teacher, principal, or director.
* Other duties as assigned.
* Provides positive behavior support and intervention.
Ability to:
* Use independent judgment.
* Supervise students.
* Be flexible to accommodate changing schedules.
* Identify and adjust to the individual student’s needs.
* Be innovative and improvise to meet changing situations.
* Provide positive motivation for students.
* Instruct students without general supervision.
* Spell correctly and use good English.
* Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
* Work in a team context with other special education/resource room assistants.
* Respect confidentiality.
* Develop a working familiarity with special needs of individual students
SUPERVISION:
In Rainier School District, as in any organization, there exists a hierarchy of authority or chain of command. An Instructional Assistant must be able to recognize this structure and respond accordingly. The three levels of supervision and their corresponding responsibilities are indicated below.
- Level 1: Teacher
They are responsible for assigning daily tasks and monitoring the effectiveness of same. They are to be informed of any issues that arise throughout the course of this work. It is the responsibility of the IA to inform them of any pre-arranged absences.
- Level 2: Principal
This individual is ultimately responsible for all building functions
- Level 3: Director of Special Education
It is the responsibility of an IA to inform them of any pre-arranged absences. He/She will be reviewing an IA’s monthly timecard and authorizing hours. All leave forms need to be submitted for approval to this individual. Forms will be completed for all absences.
The Director of Special Education is responsible for performance evaluations. Throughout the course of the year, they will monitor/observe IA competencies. They are also responsible for disciplining an IA if a school-related violation occurs.
Physical requirements:
Working closely with special Education students can be both physically and emotionally tiring. Physical restraint of students may be necessary. Job hazards may include stress, kicking, biting, etc. and may require exposure to adverse weather conditions and noisy work areas.
1. In an 8 hour day employee may:
Stand/walk 6-8 hours
Drive 0-1 hours
Sit 1-3 hours
2. Employee may use hands for repetitive:
Single grasping
Pushing and pulling
Fine manipulation
3. Employee may use feet for repetitive movement as in operating foot controls.
4. Employee may need to:
Bend frequently
Squat frequently
Climb stairs frequently
Lift Occasionally
5. Lifting: Medium work-Lifting 50 pounds occasionally, 25 lbs frequently, with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking. Amount of lifting may be fore, depending on student needs.
Based on your placement as an IA, Rainier School District may require you to complete Physical Restraint Training.
Job Description Subject to Change.
The district prohibits discrimination and harassment on any basis protected by law, including but not limited to, an individual’s perceived or actual race1 , color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age mental or physical disability or perceived disability, pregnancy, familial status, economic status, or veterans’ status, or because of the perceived or actual race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age, mental or physical disability or perceived disability, pregnancy, familial status, economic status, or veterans’ status of any other persons with whom the individual associates.
The district prohibits discrimination and harassment, including but not limited to, in employment, assignment and promotion of personnel; in educational opportunities and services offered students; in student assignment to schools and classes; in student discipline; in location and use of facilities; in educational offerings and materials; and in accommodating the public at public meetings.
See Policy AC Nondiscrimination
District meeting locations are accessible to persons with disabilities. A request for an interpreter for the hearing impaired, or for other accommodations for persons with disabilities, should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Please contact the Rainier School District Office at 503-556-3777 |