Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Autism Instructional Assistant

This is an Promotional/ Open Competitive Autism Instructional Assistant position. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligibility list that will remain valid for six months from the date of approval by the Personnel Commission.

Under general supervision, provides instruction and tutors individuals and small groups of students in assigned special education programs with emotional, physical, behavioral, learning, and mental challenges and/or disabilities in various subject-matter areas to reinforce classroom lessons; observes, monitors, and records student performance and behavior; performs administrative functions in support of classroom activities; and, as assigned, performs related duties.

Instructional Assistants Special Education are distinguished from Instructional Assistants in that incumbents in the former class are assigned to work with students with special needs.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. Works with and tutors individual and small groups of students in assigned special education programs in various subject matter areas to reinforce class lessons and assist students in completing class and homework assignments; reads with groups of students; directs the activities of small groups of students; supervises students working in classroom learning centers; and, oversees student computer activities.
2. Observes, monitors, and records student performance and behavior; assesses student learning needs based on performance in individual or group tutoring sessions; meets with teachers to check on student progress, record grades, and clarify assignments; and, confers with teachers on programs and materials to address and meet the needs of students.
3. Oversees student activities and assists in observing, moderating, mitigating, and tempering disruptive or problematic behavior; assists with monitoring student behavior, identifying conflicts, and implementing conflict resolution; assists in keeping students focused and on-track; observes student behavior and reports progress and problems to teaching personnel; implements behavior management plans set by the teacher; supervises students during nutrition breaks and physical education; escorts students, as needed; accompanies classes on field trips and community-based instruction outings to assist in supervising students; and, assists students in entering and exiting school buses.
4. Under teacher direction and guidance, prepares homework assignments and packets according to student needs; distributes and collects papers and supplies; and, assists in providing examination materials to students.
5. Prepares basic instructional materials for lessons; prepares and modifies handouts and other materials; selects didactic material according to individual educational goals, as directed by teachers; sets up and prepares classroom bulletin boards, work areas, displays and exhibits; records stories and vocabulary on cassette tapes; and, translates educational materials.
6. Takes attendance and maintains records; and, keeps track of assignments, including grades and test results.
7. Performs general clerical duties in support of the teachers in the classroom; duplicates and files student materials and records; takes messages for teachers; types correspondences and documents (should not include IEP's); puts documents in binders; organizes filing cabinets; collates and laminates materials; delivers mail; maintains confidential documents; and, ensures there are enough supplies for teachers, staff, and students.
8. Attends regular staff and in service meetings and may provide translation services for parents and teachers during conferences, meetings, and interviews.
9. Assists in maintaining a clean and orderly learning environment to ensure the health and safety of students; and, assists in cleaning and organizing the classroom.
10. Assists students with personal health and hygiene needs, including dressing and eating; and, changing clothes and diapers, when necessary.
11. As required, implements Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies.

Other duties may include:

1. Assisting staff and students in filling out ROP and graduation packages.
2. Assisting staff and students in food preparation, cooking, and cleaning.
3. Assisting with the Reading Program for At-Risk Students.
4. Assisting teachers with special projects and programs.
5. May provide basic first aid to students as needed.

Minimum qualifications include knowledge of methods and practices of child guidance, basic subject matter areas taught in District schools, procedures and practices of classroom and playground safety, conflict resolution methods and techniques, correct English usage, administrative practices and procedures, and the ability to assist students in developing self-help, social, and daily living skills, recognize individual student learning needs, operate a computer and other standard office equipment, organize, set priorities, and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibility, organize and maintain confidential student files and records, communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing, understand and follow oral and written instructions, monitor behavior, use courtesy, diplomacy, discretion, patience, and tact in dealing with students, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with District administration, teachers, staff, parents, students, and others encountered in the course of work.

Education, training, and experience requirements include graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent, paid or volunteer experience working with special education children is desirable, and meeting the state Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirement for this position, which can be met through possession of an Associate's degree or higher, completion of at least 48 full semester units at an accredited college or university, or taking and passing the ESSA exam administered by Montebello Unified School District.