Instructional Assistant Special Needs Support

Manor Elementary School

Rate of Pay: $16.00 per hour for 37.5 hours per week.

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member the Instructional Assistant provides individualized support to a student with special needs to help the student access instruction meet IEP goals and participate safely and successfully in the school environment. This role includes both instructional and non-instructional support and may involve assisting with behavioral physical and/or medical needs as directed by the students educational team.

Essential Job Functions

Instructional Support

• Provides one-to-one or small-group academic support to reinforce reading language arts mathematics and other instructional programs as assigned.
• Implements teacher-directed strategies accommodations and modifications outlined in the students IEP.
• Assists in preparing classroom materials adapting instructional resources and reinforcing individualized learning activities.
• Supports the administration and collection of classroom assignments tests and progress-monitoring assessments.

Behavioral & Social-Emotional Support

• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions ensure safety and maintain student engagement.
• Implements behavior support plans and reinforcement strategies as directed by certified staff.
• Models and supports positive social interactions and coping skills.

Special Needs & Personal Care Support

• Assists the student with activities of daily living (e.g. mobility support toileting feeding hygiene organization) as required to access instructional activities.
• Provides physical assistance prompting or supervision to promote independence and ensure safety.
• Supports implementation of specialized programs such as sensory activities communication systems behavior intervention plans and other individualized supports.
• Follows all safety procedures and training related to assisting students with disabilities including lifting/transfer protocols and health-related accommodations.

General Support

• Supervises the student in non-instructional settings such as lunch recess hallways arrival/dismissal bus duty or field trips.
• Assists with record-keeping needed to document student performance behavior tracking IEP progress or accommodations used.
• Communicates relevant observations to the supervising teacher or case manager.
• Supports positive and collaborative relationships with families as requested by certified staff.

IEP & Team Collaboration

• Participates inteam discussions as requested and provides input related to student progress and needs.
• Works cooperatively with teachers support staff and administrators to ensure consistent implementation of the students educational program.

Additional Duties

• Assists guidance pupil services staff or building administration as needed.
• Performs other duties assigned by the supervising teacher or building administrator.

Equipment

Use standard office equipment such as computers printers and copiers; may use specialized adaptive equipment as trained.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work effectively with students with disabilities in a compassionate patient and supportive manner.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding student information.
• Ability to implement accommodations behavior plans and specialized instructional strategies.
• Ability to use technology including computers and educational software.
• Strong communication skills with students staff and families.
• Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships in a team environment.
• Ability to maintain emotional regulation and problem-solving skills when working with students who have behavioral or emotional needs.

Physical and Mental Demands Work Hazards

• Works in standard school environments with some outdoor activities required.
• Must be able to assist with lifting/transferring students if needed (training provided).
• Must be able to respond appropriately in situations requiring physical intervention consistent with district training and policy.

Also see the Summary of Physical Sensory and Environmental Requirements for this position.

Qualifications Profile

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
• 60 college credit hours or a passing score on the ETS ParaPro Test required.
• Experience working with children with disabilities preferred.

Assistant Master Agreement:

APPLICATION PROCEDURE