Special Education Instructional Assistant II .875 FTE - Rainier School District

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT II

.875 FTE (7hrs/day)

PURPOSE:

The Instructional Assistant II assists the Teacher in the delivery of an instructional program, through preparation of the classroom and materials in order to assist individual and small groups of students. The IA II also supports the planning and delivery of behavioral management and living skill development in a variety of school and life situations. The IA II supports and maintains individual student as well as the classroom management while supporting teacher- designed methods and materials with or without direct teacher supervision. This allows the student the opportunity to function autonomously in a school, work, and/or community living environment. The incumbent will provide supervision of student activities in order to ensure that the school maintains a safe and orderly environment.

REPORTS TO:

Student Services Director

INDIRECTLY REPORTS TO:

Classroom Teacher or Special Education Teacher for direction/supervision

NATURE & SCOPE:

The IA II works with a variety of students with disabilities and/or needs ranging in age from five to twenty-one years in various educational locales such as school environment, specialized classrooms, the community, differing work settings, and on the bus. The incumbent functions independently for significant portions of the day performing work with students and providing supervision, life skills training, and direct instruction under the direction of the Teacher for the student with a wide range of disabilities and/or needs. At times this work is under the direct watch of the Teacher, and at other times the work is physically removed from the Teacher. The nature of the work follows established classroom and school procedures as well as District and state regulations. The incumbent interfaces and problem-solves with students, teachers, administrators, department colleagues and parents. The interaction with students can be high- stakes and occasionally hostile or volatile, which requires a significant degree of professional and technical acumen. Because this job involves continuous interaction with students, the position requires a high level of professional decorum, calm, and ability to act as a role model to young people. The incumbent does not have adult supervisory responsibilities,  but may provide guidance and assistance to regular or temporary employees, as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of public education and in support of the District’s mission.

• Assists in the academic instruction and presentation of instructional materials by individually working with small groups of students, or individual students:

• Reinforcing instruction

• Following up on specific language, spelling, reading, mathematics and other subject- area activities as directed by the Teacher

• Monitoring and overseeing student tasks, practices and assignments in various subjects

• Supports assistance in classroom assignments, homework, and projects.

• Independently implements individual and group behavior plans.

• Physically assists student in community-based activities offsite.

• Accompanies student on school buses or public transportation to support their needs as they are being transported to and from school or a school activity. This may include arriving at a student’s home pick-up location to serve as a support for the student to school and then back home.

• Prepares and implements instructional materials using all available technology including augmentative communication devices and assistive technology devices.

• Provides physical accommodation to students who require it by:

• assisting students in and out of mobility devices.

• lifting students when needed.

• assisting with orthopedic devices.

• applying a specialized medical plan developed by a District Nurse.

• providing assistance that may include feeding, toileting, lifting, pursuing or apprehending, restraining, secluding, providing physical prompts, and any other physical assistance needed for students within specialized programs for all disability types and cultural differences for ages five to twenty-one.

• Encourages acceptable student behavior and assists in maintaining classroom discipline. Guides and reinforces student understanding of classroom rules and procedures. Supervises student interaction so that an orderly atmosphere is preserved. Controls aggressive behavior, settles disputes and otherwise encourages cooperative, well-mannered activity. Instructs as to acceptable and appropriate community behavior.

• Assists in guiding students to develop proper emotional control, physical hygiene, and discernment in judging and reacting to social situations; assures appropriate student behavior by coaching students during job performance, demonstrating tasks, monitoring attendance and implementing behavior support plans.

• Provides classroom support to the Teacher by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.

• Confers with teachers concerning lesson plans and materials to meet student needs.

• Supervises a variety of student activities including playground, cafeteria, bus loading, field trips, and other areas where students gather.

• Prepares, administers, and scores various tests and assignments as directed, including proficiency placement tests.

• Takes data on student performance while supporting instructional needs. Records data into a computerized data system, when asked to do so.

• Assists students by answering questions, providing proper examples, and offering general guidance.

• May implement a Functional Living Program designed by the teacher in order to instruct students to independently perform such tasks as shop, cook, budget, and travel on public transportation.

• May provide structured training at community job sites consistent with each student’s targeted vocational goals by:

• Explaining and demonstrating the preparation for work (ie, time card, uniform, required equipment) and the nature and method of work.

• Assists in the development of transportation plans for students to travel to and from job site; including training for students on pedestrian skills and traffic-related safely.

• Supervises progress and focuses on the development of independent improvement skill and employee relations.

• Performs a variety of clerical duties using basic office equipment, computers, word processing software, spreadsheets, classroom software, and classroom computer programs:

• Ordering, preparing, administering and correcting instructional materials.

• Generating computer documents and duplicating materials.

• Preparing lists and other documents, processing forms and applications.

• Maintaining student records and files, as directed.

• Assembling materials, preparing individual profile charts, accounting for students.

• Notifying the teacher or administrator when making phone calls of a general nature to parents.

• Compiling information and materials and preparing reports as requested.

• Taking attendance when on outings or activities to ensure proper supervision.

• Works with accuracy and attention to detail to meet deadlines.

• Understands and executes oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.

• Maintains confidentiality.

• Maintains effective working relationships with other staff members, school personnel, students, and parents. Effectively works and communicates with students, parents, and staff from diverse cultures or backgrounds including those who speak limited or no English.

• Complies with all procedures outlined in the Staff Handbook, Education Practitioners, Teachers, Support Staff, Administrators, Substitutes Handbook, other Rainier School District policies and procedures, and all required District and department training.

The statements contained above reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may at times perform other duties as assigned which could include work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must possess both of the following:

• High school diploma or GED

• Must possess an understanding of child development principles and practices. Training and/or experience in instructional techniques and behavior management and modification, with disabled children and/or adults desired.

• Must be able to communicate effectively with other employees and students using tact, courtesy and good judgment.

• Must be able to collect data and perform basic mathematical functions.

• Must be able to communicate in written and spoken English with accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions.

• Must be able to operate standard office equipment such as computer, word processor, calculator and photocopier.

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check.

LICENSING/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license.

• Must be able to drive to alternate locations in order to support students.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The IA II works within the classroom, school, community at large, and other  areas where students may congregate. The position requires a high degree of mobility, both indoors and outdoors, while supervising and instructing students, in variable weather conditions including inclement weather.

The incumbent must possess  a normal degree of flexibility; the ability to stand, walk, run, and shuffle for long periods of time; to kneel on one and two knees and then stand up; to bend the trunk at 45º and twist to either side; to grasp firmly; to raise the hands above the head; and to learn and correctly demonstrate multi-step physical skills. The incumbent must be able to observe multiple students across large and small physical spaces and attend to individual student’s needs while ensuring that other students are not unattended. The incumbent will need to walk quickly at times, and assume various physical postures associated with instruction and caring for students, including:

• Sitting

• Running

• Pushing and pulling

• Toileting

• Feeding

• Restraining a student

• Lifting up to 75 lbs.

• Bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, reaching

• Speaking and hearing often in a noisy environment

Potential exposures include but are not limited to: blood-borne pathogens; aggressive behavior from students; cold and hot temperatures; and inclement and severe weather. The environment includes working with students who have unique needs. Some students require significant physical assistance, others may demonstrate hostile and violent behaviors. Travel to multiple sites may be required. Occasional attendance at meetings or activities outside of the normal worksite may be required.

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