Classroom Assistant

Classroom Assistant

The Classroom Assistant is responsible to the classroom teacher and reports directly to the program supervisor and in their absence to the Director of Special Education and Alternative Placement. If the Classroom Assistant holds a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification, this position will also receive professional development guidance and direction from a person credentialed as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

The Classroom Assistant is employed to assist the Special Education Teacher(s) in teacher-supervised instructional and non-instructional tasks. The person occupying the position takes direction from the assigned teacher. This is a non-tenured position and is subject to annual review. The Classroom Assistant is responsible for the efficient performance of assigned activities, including those described below.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs instructional and non-instructional activities as assigned by the teacher and program supervisor.
2. Supervises pupils in the school and the community, as assigned.
3. Utilizes positive behavior support strategies to effectively manage student behavior.
4. Demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team.
5. Displays competence and good judgment in dealing with any physical and/or medical emergency which might arise.
6. Maintain updated records and complete paperwork, including progress monitoring, in order to successfully operate the program.
7. Demonstrates ability to utilize technology.
8. Collaborates with the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team to assist in developing an educational program that will be directed toward the development of academic, communication and social/emotional skills.
9. Keep the classroom teacher informed of any problems and/or needs of each family and child. Utilize support staff for teaching and programmatic concerns/needs.
10. Attend and be punctual for staff meetings; notifying the classroom teacher and program supervisor if unable to attend.
11. Adheres to Federal, State, IU, District and other applicable procedures, policies, and regulations.

Non-Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Performs other duties as assigned by the program supervisor or designee.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

• A high school diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) is required.
• The attainment of the Special Education Competency Assessment checklist (as approved by the immediate supervisor) within the first 90 working days of initial employment start date is required to remain in this position.
• A Registered Behavioral Technician certification is preferred but will be required if serving in a RBT capacity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to be flexible in adapting to various student schedules and the ability to adapt to various student behavioral needs are required.
• Ability to accept great cultural diversity, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload.
• Ability to cope with stressful situations and a professional attitude are required.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students and parents at all times adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.
• Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
• Must be flexible in adapting to student needs and various teaching styles.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

Professional Development Requirements:

1. Training in CPR and First Aid are required and subject to recertification.
2. Must complete 20 hours of staff development activities related to the assignment each school year, as approved by immediate supervisor.

Physical Requirements:

1. Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift approximately 50 lbs. and to position students.
2. Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping and squatting.
3. In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.
4. Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
5. Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
6. Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
7. Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
8. Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
9. Must be able to assist children with self-help skills.
10. Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.

Time and Site Requirements:

1. This is a full time non-exempt position working 185 day schedule and follows the schedule for which the position is assigned.
2. Attend some evening events/activities as appropriate.
3. Must have transportation to work location(s).
4. Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.

CSIU Property and Confidentiality Requirements:

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of the need for any accommodations that may be required.