Senior Program Assistant (Sub Teacher)

Job Description

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Special Education Teacher, the Senior Program Assistant (SPA) acts as a direct support for the classroom. The SPA provides comprehensive support to student with autism spectrum disorders and serves as a liaison between Program Assistants and the educational and therapeutic team members. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Student Support

• Under the Guidance of the Special Education Teacher, plan and lead no more than six non-instructional groups (e.g., life skills, generalizing skills introduced by LBS1/certified therapist, reinforcing activities, etc.) throughout the week
• Implement Teacher plans to facilitate individual sessions with students
• Encourage opportunities for independence and functional routines for students (i.e., bus, arrival/departure routines, lunch routines, etc.)
• Supervise students and provide assistance as needed with activities of daily living, including but not limited to toileting, feeding, dressing, etc.
• Supervise and engage with students during less structured times of the school day such as opening, lunch coverage, recess, and snack times
• Monitor student program books to ensure necessary materials are present, data is being consistently collected, and questions/concerns are brought to the attention of the Special Education Teacher
• Work with Special Education Teacher and Therapists to learn educational, therapeutic, and behavioral strategies in order to share that information with Program Assistants
• Complete professional documentation including daily communication logs to families, behavioral data collection, accident reports, physical intervention and seclusion forms, etc.

Staff Support

• Attend and participate in building-wide meetings, program-specific meetings, department meetings, classroom meetings, and professional development opportunities
• Take minutes during classroom meetings and email minutes to all educational and therapeutic team members
• Ensure thorough communication with Program Assistants (e.g., share available job opportunities, upcoming events, and other important information from program-wide emails, make team meeting notes accessible, etc.)
• Direct or partner with Program Assistants to share concerns, suggestions, questions, and ideas with the appropriate team member(s)
• Assist Program Assistants in their assimilation to the classroom, providing guidance and support as necessary
• Collaborate with Special Education Teacher to create and maintain a positive classroom culture that encourages solution-oriented thinking, self-care, self-awareness, and a place to voice concerns appropriately

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Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Substitute Teacher

When a Special Education Teacher is absent the Senior Program Assistant is responsible for the following job duties:

• Act as classroom supervisor in the Special Education Teacher’s absence (e.g., making staffing decisions, taking the lead in crisis situations, seeking help as needed from appropriate people, etc.)
• Provide leadership during Community Based Instruction by monitoring student needs and staffing, professionally communicating with community members, ensuring that emergency contact information is accessible, confirming that necessary student supports and belongings are available, and adapting student plans within the community environment 
• Communicate with parents as necessary regarding accidents, physical management, seclusion, or other concerns from the day during their work hours or relay communication to Program Administrators as necessary
• Senior PA is eligible for a Sub Teacher stipend if the Special Education Teacher is absent for more than 5 days. 

The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all inclusive. Other duties may be assigned by supervisors.

Knowledge and Skills

• Embody Giant Steps’ values of excellence, accountability, integrity, collaboration, innovation and passion
• Proven history of utilizing supports and demonstrating critical thinking skills with a variety of needs
• Able to create systems and manage their time effectively
• Collaborate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team – listens to a variety of perspectives and ideas and incorporate them into practice
• Effective communication skills – clearly and concisely communicates with others
• Proven interpersonal skills – able to maintain rapport with staff members 
• Solution-oriented and able to resolve interpersonal conflicts
• Able to help manage staff anxiety and maintain a positive school culture
• Highly organized and strong attention to detail 
• Professional and mature – able to maintain confidential information and give constructive feedback to all staff with whom he/she interacts
• Positive, creative, and solution-oriented outlook, especially in challenging moments
• Able to multi-task and prioritize tasks
• Knowledge of relevant instructional strategies

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, LBS1 or ability/interest in applying for emergency certification preferred
• A current, valid Illinois State Board of Education Substitute License or Teaching License on file with DuPage County Regional Office of Education required

Classification

The Senior Program Assistant is a non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Salary

Salary is commensurate with level of education and experience.

Calendar

The Senior Program Assistant follows the Day School Staff Calendar.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment physical, drug screening, and criminal background check
• Possesses appropriate professional credentials
• Passing PCM training is a requirement of this position. Participation in PCM training and adherence to the Professional Crisis Management Association’s guidelines require at least average physical fitness. Any physical limitations or conditions that may impact one’s ability to participate in PCM training or PCM must be made known to Giant Steps upon application, as performance of various physical tasks is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is typically performed indoors within the school facility
• Moderate physical movement is required for the job
• Minimal exposure to physical risk is anticipated
• The noise level in this work environment varies from quiet to very loud.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continually required to stand, walk, sit, run, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, balance, crouch, talk, hear, smell, and see. The employee must occasionally life and/or move up to 50+ pounds.

Annual Performance Review

• An annual performance review will be conducted each spring by the Special Education Teacher.
• The Senior Program Assistant will complete a self-assessment of his/her performance and submit the self-assessment to the Special Education Teacher two weeks prior to his/her annual review each spring.

Compensation Package

Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage to all full time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours/week.

Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity (AAP/EEO)

Giant Steps adheres to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including: veteran status, disability, religion, race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or FMLA related medical condition, height, weight, familial status, marital status and genetic information. 

Disclaimer

This disclaimer is to acknowledge that it is highly probable that as an employee of Giant Steps Illinois, Inc., you are at risk of personal injury. Injuries may include, but are not limited to hitting, biting, kicking, scratching, and having hair pulled. The extent of some injuries may result in a break in the skin. All injuries must be documented according to the policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook. Often, individuals are placed in this setting as a result of physical aggression or acting out behaviors that may prohibit them from participating in other environments. Our setting allows for these atypical behaviors. All employees are required to show proof of a Hepatitis B vaccination upon hire.

*Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. has the ability to review and change the job description when necessary.