Instructional Assistant - Special Education Life Skills

Instructional Assistant (Special Education: Self-Contained LIFE)

Under direct supervision, as a Classroom Instructional Assistant in Special Education, you will play a crucial role in providing support to students with diverse learning needs. Your primary responsibility will be to assist the Special Education teacher in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, fostering the academic and social development of students with disabilities. This role primarily serves in a classroom setting, assisting a Special Education Teacher. Depending on the student's needs, some positions may require physical assistance and flexibility to adapt to changing situations. Work hours align with the school schedule, with occasional school meetings and events. The Instructional Assistant performs related work as directed.

Student Support: Provide one-on-one or small group assistance to students with special needs, helping them with academic, organization, and communication skills. Assists students in achieving their goals that require physical and emotional support with successfully navigating classroom, cafeteria and school-related experiences as outlined by their IEP and teacher direction. Participate in community based instruction, supporting school and community jobs and skill development.

Behavioral Support and Safety & Health: Implement behavior management strategies, following Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), to support students' emotional and behavioral development. Ensure the safety and well-being of students at all times, following established protocols for medical and emergency situations. Receives NCI training in order to promote de-escalation and safety. Assists students with daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, lavatory needs, grooming, medical needs, and personal hygiene as appropriate to individual development. Complies with personal hygiene rules and standard sanitation procedures.

Assistive Technology: Familiarize students with assistive technology tools and aid them in using these devices to enhance their learning and/or communication needs.

Classroom Preparation: Collaborate with the teacher to prepare instructional materials, adapt curriculum, and create a supportive classroom environment.

Data Tracking: Collect and record data on student progress and behavior, ensuring accurate documentation for IEP progress reports and meetings. Reinforce behaviors that demonstrate student's successful achievement and growth of identified goals.

Inclusion: Facilitate the inclusion of students with disabilities into general education classroom activities, ensuring they have equal access to the curriculum.

Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with the teachers and other specialists involved in the students' education.

Professional Development: Stay informed about best practices in special education and participate in training opportunities to improve your skills and knowledge. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor or designee.

Entry-Level Requirements: High School diploma or GED is required; an Associate's degree or higher, or at least sixty (60) semester hours from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred. (Official transcripts are required to validate education.) Previous vocational training or work experience with school-age children with special needs is preferred. Able to meet the requirements of a paraprofessional as outlined in ESSA. Pass the required Expanded Criminal History Check and Expanded Child Protection Index Check. Must have at least an associate's degree or two years of college or passed the ParaPro Assessment. Understanding of the developmental, physical and emotional behaviors and challenges of students with moderate-to-profound intellectual, physical, and/or emotional disabilities; with demonstrated stress management skills; ability to fulfill the dexterity and physical requirements of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) is required. Patience, empathy, and strong communication skills. Ability to follow IEPs and adapt instructional strategies accordingly. Physical ability to assist students with mobility and personal care needs if necessary. Flexibility.