PARA 5-Media Assistant

Title:

PARA 5-Media Assistant

DBM Classification:

B22/Grade 7

Department:

Media Services

Salary Range:

Employee Group:

EM Spark

Prepared Date:

July 2019

Reports to:

School Principal

FTE/FLSA Status:

7 Hrs Per Day-0.88-10-Months- Exempt

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Media Assistant supports the media center or library by assisting students teachers and staff with accessing and utilizing library resources technology and media services. This role involves maintaining the librarys collection organizing materials managing check-out systems and assisting with the integration of technology into the learning process. The Media Assistant works closely with the librarian or media specialist to create an engaging learning environment that supports student research reading and media literacy. Additionally the assistant may help with creating and promoting educational media materials and technology-related projects.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist students and staff in locating checking out and returning books media and other library materials.
• Maintain and organize library resources ensuring materials are shelved properly and easy to access.
• Monitor the librarys circulation system checking in and out books and other resources in accordance with library policies.
• Help students with research teaching them how to use library databases catalogs and other resources effectively.
• Support the integration of technology in the classroom and library by helping students and teachers access educational software websites and digital media.
• Assist with creating and preparing library displays promotional materials and educational media to encourage reading and learning.
• Assist with the creation organization and maintenance of multimedia materials including videos presentations and interactive projects.
• Help maintain a safe clean and welcoming library environment by keeping the space organized and supervising students during library visits.
• Provide technical support for media equipment including troubleshooting and helping with the setup of audio/visual equipment or computers.
• Collaborate with the media specialist and teachers to plan and implement media-related activities programs and lessons.
• Help manage and track library inventory keeping records of materials that are borrowed lost or damaged.
• Assist with organizing and promoting library events reading programs or book fairs.
• Perform other administrative tasks related to the media center such as filing creating reports or updating records.
• Provide assistance to students in developing media literacy skills including evaluating sources and understanding digital content.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall safety and well-being of students throughout the school day.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Library systems including circulation procedures cataloging and shelving practices.
• Basic media technologies including audio/visual equipment computers and educational software.
• Research methods and how to assist students in navigating digital and physical resources.
• Educational technology and its integration into classroom and library learning.
• Media literacy principles including evaluating sources and understanding digital content.
• Library policies and procedures related to materials inventory and student behavior.
• Organizing and maintaining library materials ensuring that resources are easily accessible and well-kept.
• Assisting students and staff with research using both physical and digital library resources.
• Operating and troubleshooting basic media equipment including computers projectors and audio devices.
• Communicating effectively with students staff and visitors in a positive and supportive manner.
• Creating and organizing displays promotional materials and programs to engage the school community.
• Managing library circulation checking in and out materials accurately and tracking inventory.
• Assisting with the preparation and promotion of library events reading programs and book fairs.
• Providing support for integrating technology and multimedia into classroom lessons.
• Maintain a well-organized library space ensuring that all materials are easily accessible and properly cared for.
• Assist students in developing research and media literacy skills supporting their learning needs effectively.
• Work independently and collaboratively with teachers media specialists and staff to enhance the librarys role in student learning.
• Adapt to new technology and tools keeping up with innovations in educational media and library management systems.
• Manage multiple tasks and priorities efficiently while maintaining attention to detail.
• Foster a positive and welcoming environment that encourages students to use the library and engage with resources.
• Provide technical support and assistance with various media formats and technologies.
• Remain patient approachable and responsive to the needs of students staff and library visitors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility: Frequent walking standing bending crouching and kneeling to assist students and support classroom activities.
• Lifting: Ability to lift carry and move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally including assisting students with mobility needs if required.
• Repetitive Motion: Regular use of hands and fingers for writing typing and handling instructional materials.
• Visual and Auditory Requirements: Ability to see and hear within normal ranges to monitor student behavior support instruction and ensure safety.
• Physical Assistance: This may involve supporting students with physical disabilities including transferring positioning or assisting with mobility devices.
• Endurance: Capability to actively engage with students throughout the school day including indoor and outdoor supervision (e.g. recess field trips).
• Speech and Communication: Clear verbal communication to interact effectively with students staff and families.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• School Setting: Primarily works in classrooms but may also assist in specialized learning spaces libraries cafeterias playgrounds hallways and other school areas.
• Student Interaction: Regular direct interaction with students including those with diverse learning needs and varying behavioral emotional or physical abilities.
• Team Collaboration: Works closely with licensed instructional staff special education teams and other support personnel to assist students.
• Dynamic Environment: Fast-paced and varied requiring flexibility to shift between instructional support behavioral management and supervision tasks.
• Supervision Duties: Responsible for student supervision in classrooms and during non-instructional times (e.g. lunch recess bus loading/unloading and field trips).
• Exposure to Elements: May work outdoors during recess field trips or other activities subject to varying weather conditions.
• Health & Safety Considerations: Potential exposure to bodily fluids or illnesses while assisting students with health or hygiene needs following proper safety protocols.
• Noise Level: Moderate to high depending on student activities and settings.
• Physical Demands: The work involves standing walking bending lifting and moving throughout the day to support students and instructional activities.
• Inclusive Environment: Expected to promote and support a culturally responsive inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with children in an educational childcare or related setting.
• Associates degree or completion of at least two years of post-secondary education (equivalent to 60 college credits).
• Experience supporting students.
• Preferred: Training in behavior management techniques and culturally responsive practices.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.

BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information including specific benefits and associated costs please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.