JOB DESCRIPTION:

Assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of identified special education students in special education or general classrooms; perform various clerical duties in support of instructional activities; assist students with performing academic and daily living activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED. Prefer candidate who has previous experience working with students with special needs. Must be flexible to meet the changing needs of students and have strong tutorial skills. Must be able to relate well with students, staff and parents. Candidate must have a strong desire to see young people be successful. Must have a positive attitude and be able to complete tasks independently. Must participate in training provided by the Special Education Department. Must be willing to supervise students in community settings.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Assist certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of
functional skills impaired student(s) in a classroom environment; monitor and oversee student's drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; assist students with gross and fine motor skills during task and craft time.

2. Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework and projects in
various subject areas; assist students by answering questions, providing proper
examples & emotional support; provide adaptations and modifications of assignments; assist students with adaptive communication skills, using adaptive equipment, cards vocalization and red-mac button.

3. Assist students with performing daily living and self-care activities as assigned;
toilet students and change diapers and soiled clothing as needed; assist student with positioning and mobility needs; assist students with personal hygiene such as bathing and grooming.

4. Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as
preparing, typing, and duplicating; grade student tests and assignments; record grades; take and record attendance.

5. Assist student with Individual Lesson Plan (IEP) goals; explain classroom assignment and homework instructions; assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans and instructional activities; assist with student understanding of classroom rules and
procedures.

6. May accompany and assist students in mainstreamed classes as assigned; escort
students to and from buses and classes; push student wheelchairs; lift students in
and out of wheelchairs; load and unload students on and off of buses.

7. Provide behavioral supports for students in the classroom according to established
policies and procedures; monitor students during outdoor activities and field trips as
required; monitor and report progress regarding student performance and behavior.

8. May assist students with performing and developing independent living, organizational, communication, social and self-help skills as assigned; assist students with handling educational materials; assist student with eating activities as needed.

9. Follow health and safety practices and procedures; assist with maintenance of
classroom and other assigned areas in a safe, orderly and clean manner.

10. Perform related duties as assigned by the Administrator to meet the particular needs of the building/unit.

 PROBATIONARY PERIOD: 

• New employees must successfully complete their probationary period to be eligible to apply for posted positions.
• Employees must remain in their current position a minimum of sixty (60) calendar days to be eligible to apply for any non-lateral posted position.
• Current non-probationary employees may only apply for lateral positions at the end of each school year.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. The employee is required to have dexterity of hands and fingers. The employee is required to sit or stand for extended periods of time. They may be occasionally required to bend at the waist, kneel or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include
close vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job the
incumbent is seated or walking at will. The employee will be required to lift, carry and/or push or pull students weighing 50 pounds or more in wheelchairs as assigned. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.