Senior Instructional Assistant - Behavior

Job Title

Senior Instructional Assistant-Behavior

Job Description

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher or specialist in providing instructional support to individuals or small groups of students with disabilities in a Special Education program; provide behavioral support to students with challenging behaviors, collect behavioral data, implement behavior intervention plans, utilize behavioral strategies to support student progress toward Individual Education Program (IEP) goals, monitor, redirect and de-escalate students during behavioral emergencies; assist in meeting specific student needs which may include feeding and toileting students; and perform a variety of instructional, behavioral, and clerical duties as assigned.

Function & Duties

Collect behavioral data, conduct observations, monitor progress, and record behavioral incidents of students with disabilities according to approved District procedures; report academic, behavioral, vocational, social-emotional, and daily living skills progress toward IEP goals. Utilize evidence-based behavior management strategies to redirect and reduce challenging behaviors and teach and reinforce pro-social behaviors. Provide instructional support to individuals or small groups of students with disabilities, reinforcing the instruction as provided by the teacher. Monitor progress and provide assistance to students in prescribed learning activities during classroom instruction or related services. Utilize and implement basic digitized instructional programs and applications for student learning and/or progress monitoring, and utilize the District's Learning Management System to support the students' instructional program. Collect behavioral data and maintain behavioral records on the implementation of behavior intervention plans and student progress on behavioral goals with fidelity. When necessary, and with the support of the classroom team, use Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Intervention strategies to prevent and/or de-escalate behavioral emergencies; reducing risk of injury and enhancing the safety of the students and staff. Collaborate with and support teachers to ensure the appropriate strategies are utilized, the needed programs are implemented, and necessary materials are developed to meet student needs. Assure the health, safety, and well-being of students by following District established health and safety practices and regulations. Provide students with disabilities with the necessary instructional supports to acquire the necessary self-help skills to maximize their independence. Assist students with learning personal hygiene; wash hands and faces; monitor individual toilet training schedules; toilet students and change diapers; change clothing as needed. Administer first aid and CPR as needed to students with chronic and acute medical problems. Provide support to the classroom teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment, and distributing and collecting paper and supplies. Perform routine custodial duties to maintain assigned facility in a clean and sanitary condition. Supervise and direct students at all times including lunch time, group activities, field trips, on the playground, and when mainstreamed into another class as needed; supervise the loading and unloading of students on school buses as assigned. Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of: Behavior intervention strategies including, but not limited to, Nonviolent Crisis Prevention Intervention approaches, applied behavior analysis (e.g, systematic prompting with fading, reinforcement systems), positive behavior intervention plans, and communication-based strategies. Basic child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities. Reading, writing, and mathematics. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Safe practices in classroom and playground activities. Basic classroom management strategies. Basic instructional strategies. Basic record-keeping techniques. Behavioral data collection and management. First Aid and CPR procedures. Ability to: Use appropriate interpersonal relations using tact, patience and courtesy. Demonstrate empathy, friendliness, patience and responsibility. Work collaboratively with the classroom teacher and school staff to support students' academic, behavioral, vocational, social-emotional, and self-help learning. Communicate effectively, in a positive manner, with all staff, students, and families. Implement behavior management strategies used with students with disabilities. Implement strategies learned in District provided trainings. Assist with all aspects of the instructional programs and related services in Special Education. Assist with developing instructional materials for classroom and student use. Understand the developmental needs of student's disabilities. Develop rapport with students that are unique and have diverse needs. Perform routine clerical duties such as filing, creating and maintaining records. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Read and follow District and school rules, regulations, policies and procedures and professional expectations. Work cooperatively with others. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information. Operate instructional and office equipment. Work in a stressful environment and respond quickly when behavioral emergencies occur.

Education And Experience, Licenses And Other Requirements

Any combination equivalent to: Graduation from high school and one year of experience working with students in an instructional setting, or graduation from high school, completion of the Downey Unified School District Training Our Paraeducators for Success (TOPS) Program and six months experience working with children in an instructional setting. One year's experience with behavioral data collection preferred. Training in implementing behavior analysis techniques is highly desirable. Valid First Aid and CPR Certificates issued by an authorized agency, as well as meeting requirements to keep certificates current. Some positions in this class may be required to speak, read, and write in a second designated language. Senior Instructional Assistants Behavior who assist in classroom instruction must meet the education and experience requirement and the following requirements as set forth in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): Must pass assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing and mathematics OR reading, writing, and mathematic readiness OR, may meet requirements with completion of two years of higher education study OR possession of an Associate's or higher-level degree in the field of education, or related field of study. All candidates must meet the state Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirement for this position. This can be met one of three ways: 1. Possession of an associate's degree or higher 2. Completion of at least 48 full semester units at an accredited college or university 3. Taking and passing the ESSA exam administered by Downey Unified School District If you meet the ESSA requirement through possession of the associate's degree or higher or have completed at least 48 full semester units, please attach a copy of your degree or college level transcripts to your application.

Benefits

Part-time Employees earn up to: 1 paid vacation day per 1 full month of employment 1 paid sick leave day per 1 full month of employment with unlimited accumulation and paid holidays The District offers two excellent medical plans, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente; two dental plans, Delta Dental and MetLife SafeGuard; and vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP). All plans are available to the employee and their dependents. This coverage is available to employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week. Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan. Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union. Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits.