Instructional Aide Elementary Special Education

Job Requirements: Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent job related software applications; and basic mathematical skills (e.g. add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; compute rate, ratio, and percent, draw and interpret graphs, etc.).

Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: concepts of grammar and punctuation; reading fluency and comprehension; age appropriate activities; and health and safety standards.

Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: working with emotionally, physically and/or mentally impaired students; maintaining confidentiality; maintaining composure under stressful situations; communicating with diverse groups; adapting to changing work priorities; working as part of a team; applying common sense understanding to carry out instructions; dealing with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations; effectively presenting information in one-to-one and group situations to students; and working with frequent interruptions.

Working Environment: The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy indoor environment with work inside about 85% of the time and work outside about 15% of the work schedule. The employee must frequently move up to 50 pounds such as adaptive equipment and supplies and also work with members of the team to address student's physical needs (e.g. positioning students under the direction of the physical therapist, bathrooms needs, etc.).

Performance Responsibilities:
• Assists the assigned staff member(s) in all aspects of daily programming including, but not necessarily limited to: social, academic, behavioral and self-help growth and development
• Assists in the direct supervision of children in the assigned program as directed by the teacher or administrator (e.g. bus loading, classroom assignments, lunch, recess, etc.)
• Demonstrates understanding of students' disabilities; keeps firm hand and is courteous and fair • Loads/unloads wheelchair bound students on bus, and/or waits with students for transportation
• Participates in physical activities which are part of the students' basic program
• Assists students in the restroom as necessary, and may have to change diapers
• Demonstrates flexibility in schedule and activities throughout the day
• Demonstrates cooperation, openness for growth and willingness to contribute in a team approach
• Communicates, collaborates, and cooperates with colleagues, supervisors, and students
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all aspects of his/her work with special education children and other staff
• Participates in all meetings, training programs, and in-service sessions as assigned by the building or district administrator
• Performs such other duties as may be directed by the building or district administrator Education and/or Experience:
• Must be eligible to hold a valid Teachers Aide Certificate
• Ability to operate a computer and technology in classroom
• Performs such other duties as may be directed by the building or district administrator

Education and/or Experience: Experience working with children preferred. High School diploma required or equivalancy. Associates degree or Bachelors degree preferred.