Instructional Assistant-K-12 Paraprofessional Pathway

Job Description

Job Description

Unlimited Instruction, LLC is seeking talented people from diverse backgrounds to lead, change, and inspire students in the Roanoke, VA area. In this role you will serve students in schools as a paraprofessional in a pathway program.

The Instructional Assistant (IA) provides support services in classrooms, resource settings, general education classrooms, or other school related areas. The IA performs a wide variety of instructional duties including assisting classroom teachers with instructional support, progress monitoring, and supervision of students who have special needs. Additionally, the IA reinforces students' positive behavior and carrying out students' IEP goals.

Chain of Command:
The Instructional Assistant works under supervision of a certified teacher and reports to the Principal of the school.

Role Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to assist with the delivery of instructional services in the special education program at the elementary, middle or high school level. Responsibilities vary with the individual assignment, but typically include instruction of students, student discipline, student hygiene, classroom housekeeping, planning, preparation of materials, testing, and record keeping.

Primary Job Duties:

• Instruct students individually or in a small group setting under the direction of certificated employee(s).
• Assist in the implementation of the goals and objectives of the IEP for each student.
• May prepare and adapt lessons and activities at the direction of the teacher, to be used as classroom activities and instruction.
• May plan, prepare, and assemble homework activities for students.
• Assist and/or instruct students in computer usage and operation.
• Monitor groups during interaction times, observe students and maintains an awareness of individual student emotional and physical needs; report situations as appropriate to classroom teachers.
• Maintain and/or assist with student discipline, including the maintenance of positive student behavior.
• May assist with the supervision of students during building activities, such as assemblies and special programs; may supervise students on playground areas at recess times; may plan activities and supervise indoor recesses during inclement weather periods.
• May supervise students coming to and from the school bus or crosswalks and may provide for communications between the school bus driver and classroom teachers regarding student behavior; may assist students in getting organized for the day and in exiting the classroom at the end of the day.
• May attend to the personal hygiene needs of students, including diapering, toileting, catheterization, dressing, and wheelchair transfer; may lift children when necessary to accommodate personal hygiene needs; may assist in feeding.
• Participate in planned student therapy activities; may provide range-of-motion exercise, when trained and under the supervision of OT/PT personnel; or may assist the SLP by observing and recording speech-language skills of students in the school environment.
• May use first aid and/or CPR in the event of a medical need or emergency situation, if qualified; when trained, attends to a variety of medical needs as may be necessary including dispensing medication.
• Clean the tables and related classroom areas following snack times, including cleaning of dishware.
• May use ASL signing at a minimal level.
• Assist students with building emergency drills.
• Correct student papers and keeps records of student progress.
• May score student tests, either standardized or content areas.
• Assist with the evaluation of student progress.
• Prepare classroom materials and supplies, as directed by teacher.
• Assist with the development of classroom bulletin boards and related materials.
• May assist with developing and maintaining an appropriate filing system.

Additional Job Duties:

• May supervise students on outings/field trips.
• May supervise students during lunch period.
• May operate audio visual equipment.
• May serve on building committees.
• May attend staff meetings and building events, such as open house.
• May attend program meetings and/or related in-service activities.
• May be required to work with caseworkers or parole officers.
• Serves as member of the instructional team of the building, performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Some knowledge of effective methods and techniques for working with children.
• Ability to work independently, and to independently learn operations, procedures, processes, and use of equipment, especially computers.
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment, including handling of confidential matters.
• Ability to keep work organized and carry out duties effectively and efficiently, including the ability to appropriately set priorities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, with courtesy and respect.
• Ability to interact with others in a work environment, including the ability to adapt to new or different conditions.
• Ability to be dependable, including good habits in attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to be flexible and to adapt to changes in plans or activities on short notice.
• Physical ability adequate to attend to students’ hygiene and mobility needs.

Work Conditions:

Duties are primarily performed within a school setting. Physical requirements include frequent standing, sitting, walking, and lifting. The role often requires getting up and down from the floor or low seating, assisting students with mobility, and occasionally running or moving quickly to ensure student safety. Additional physical tasks may include helping students with transfers, positioning, toileting, or use of adaptive equipment, as well as supporting students during physical activities or transitions between classrooms. Some assignments are subject to strict deadlines, especially when adapting and delivering programs to meet the needs of diverse student groups. The position involves regular interaction with students and parents who may be experiencing heightened emotional states. Employees are expected to use de-escalation techniques, maintain a calm and supportive demeanor, and implement behavior intervention strategies as needed to ensure a safe and positive environment. Students may exhibit behavioral challenges, including verbal outbursts or physical behaviors such as hitting, kicking, biting, eloping, or throwing objects. Employees must be prepared to respond appropriately to these situations, following established safety protocols and behavior management plans. Employees may be required to provide both emergency and non-emergency health-related services to students, including basic first aid, assisting with prescribed medical procedures, or responding to health emergencies according to school protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a High School Diploma (or GED).

Additionally, applicants must meet ONE of the following requirements:

• Hold an Associate Degree (or higher).
• Hold at least 48 semester or 72 quarter hours from an accredited college or university.
• Hold a qualifying score on a state recognized paraprofessional exam (Ex: Para Pro or Master Teacher).