Temp: Support Assistant (TSA) - Southern Middle

Assistant Support: Temporary

Under the direction of the supervising teacher or administrator, Temporary Support Assistants (TSA) assists teachers with the physical, emotional, behavioral, and instructional needs of students at the Preschool/PreK, elementary and secondary grade levels. Supervision of students throughout the school day, both in the school building and on work sites, includes carrying out instructional tasks, supporting self-care, and collecting data as outlined by professional staff based upon individual student objectives. Employee(s) must be capable of performing any and all of the listed duties individually or independently which may vary based upon their work location/assignment and available staffing.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Participates in routine supervision of students throughout the school day within the school building and/or worksite /community environment; to include assisting on/off bus, lifting, pushing students in equipment and monitors entry and exit of students to assure they get to the correct location.
• Assists students with performing and developing proper social behavior, personal hygiene and self-help skills including, but not limited to, toileting (i.e., changing diapers and soiled clothing), feeding, grooming as assigned by the position throughout the school day and/or while at off-site locations.
• Supports students during instruction and other curriculum tasks, including reinforcing subjects initially introduced by the teacher in one-on-one or small groups, and implements instructional plans and activities as designated by the job coach and/or teacher. Provides reinforcement techniques to keep students focused and on task.
• Observes and manages behavior of students in the classroom, lunch areas, playground, and other learning environments according to approved procedures.
• Observes and gathers data regarding student performance on instructional and behavioral goals and provide data collection to the supervising teacher.
• Supports students with social, emotional, and behavior concerns including the implementation of behavior strategies and supports.
• Follows AACPS policies & procedures while assisting students and staff in the building and off-site work training activities and/or community-based settings.
• Participates in professional development; attends workshops and in-service training for all specialized related care needs, seizures, disruptive behavior, etc. as provided by Board of Education.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required.
• Other: Formal academic courses/training in the field of child development with specific applications to the area of special education preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Ability to exercise considerable patience and the ability to work with physically, mentally, emotionally, and/or multiple disabilities students.
• Job requires direct in-person provision of service, therefore punctual, regular and predictable attendance is essential.
• Ability to employ a variety of teaching styles to respond to the needs of diverse learners.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications

• Hold or be eligible for Driver's License (DL) Class C Non-Commercial issued by Maryland or State of Legal Residence (MVA/DMV) required; and
• Daily access to reliable transportation.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Standing: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Walking: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Keyboarding: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Driving: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision

• No special vision requirements

Work Environment

• Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 percent of the time

Noise Level

• Moderate: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time

Weight & Force

• Up to 50 pounds: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time

Travel Requirements

• 20% daily day travel within the county to assist at locations (other schools, parks, libraries) as needed.