Position:

Under general supervision (to include ongoing daily supervision by a certified teacher), assists a certified teacher and/or service providers (i.e.- Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, etc) in the supervision and instruction of Special Education students, participating in specially designed programming for students on the Autism Spectrum and other related disabilities; relieves the teacher of routine clerical duties; assists students with special health care needs; and does related work as assigned.

RESPONSIBLE TO:   Site Administrator

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This position requires a basis of knowledge and experience in working with students on the Autism Spectrum and other related disabilities.  Provides individualized instructional programs in a one-to-one fashion, and/or in small groups.  Assists students by accommodating, adapting, and/or personalizing classroom assignments.  Implements elements of positive behavior supports, and applies evidenced based practices within structured and unstructured school environments.  Supports students with generalization of skills into general education settings.  Provides social skills support and supervises students within the classroom, within the restroom, lunch area, at recess and break, and on field trips.  Facilitates social interactions during structured and unstructured activities, throughout the school day.  Facilitates the use of alternative/augmentative communication materials/devices, throughout the school day.  Utilizes data collection measures in order to collect baseline information and track student progress.  Provides specialized health care services as prescribed by a doctor.  May be required to perform services for students at various work sites daily.

Sets up work areas and prepares materials for class use.  Prepares charts, flash cards, work sheets, art materials, bulletin boards, and similar instructional materials.  Orders supplies.  Assists in maintaining a neat and orderly environment.  May assist with routine clerical duties directly related to classroom work.  Maintains routine information and operational records.  Keeps anecdotal notes and maintains student files.  Prepares reports of work completed and materials used.  Operates office machines and devices.  Attends and participates in planning and evaluation sessions.  Attends and completes on-the-job comprehensive training program in foundations of Autism and Behavior Intervention (to include Applied Behavior Analysis).  Attends additional in-service workshops for training in evidence based practices, to include, but not limited to:  ProACT (Professional Assault Crisis Training), Communication, Antecedent Based Intervention, Discrete Trial Training, Modeling, Prompting, Reinforcement, Self Management, Social Skills, and Task Analysis. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

The duties are typical, but not exclusive:

•         Observes and records behavior patterns and applies evidence based practices to reduce target behaviors and increase adaptive behaviors. 
•         Assists students in academic and non-academic subjects, as directed, to include:  acquisition of academic skills, facilitation of social interactions, support for use of           alternative/augmentative communication, implementation and use of self-management protocol.
•          Monitors administration of student testing and scores tests as directed.
•          Assists instructional personnel with the development and presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises.
•          Assist and prompt students individually, in whole group, and/or in small group instruction scenarios, to accommodate and reinforce the instructional material.
•          Monitors students during structured and unstructured activities throughout the school day, and on field trips.
•          Assists in the development of a variety of instructional materials.
•          Performs a variety of regular clerical duties, such as filing, typing, duplicating, or laminating materials.
•          Maintains student record, files, and data collection.
•          Operates a variety of instructional media, office machines, and equipment.
•          Maintains order during non-structured activities. 
•          Maintains records of materials and equipment, as directed.
•          Participates in district in-service programs.
•          Assists students in adaptive daily living skills, to include:  dressing, personal hygiene, and feeding.  Staff may be required to assist with toileting to include changing     diapers, pull-ups, assisting with wiping, and general toilet training, as appropriate and based on individual student need.
•          Provides specialized health care services such as wheelchair positioning, lifting, chest percussion, emergency injections, medications requiring specialized procedures, catheterization, tube feeding, feeding, ostomy care, tracheotomy suctioning, and other procedures which are necessary to enable a student to attend school, as prescribed by a physician.

QUALIFICATION GUIDE

Knowledge of:

• Autism and other related disabilities
• General behavioral supports and strategies
• General concepts of child growth and development
• Techniques in redirecting and motivating students
• Correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and math
• Routine record keeping/data collection procedures
• General purposes and goals of public education

Ability to:

• Assume responsibility for monitoring students
• Learn and utilize behavioral management methods (to include Applied Behavior Analysis) in supporting student learning and behavior
• Engage with and use alternative/augmentative communication systems to facilitate student communication throughout the school day
• Perform routine clerical work and basic arithmetical calculations (to include calculating averages)
• Demonstrate understanding, patience, and a receptive attitude to children of varying ability levels, who may possibly display aggressive/assaultive or self-injurious behaviors
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the general public
• Maintain strict confidentiality of student information and school business
• Carryout individualized goals of students by applying evidence based practices
• Provide continuity of structured program
• Aid in transitioning the student from one setting to another

Training and Experience:

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade; some paid or volunteer clerical experience or work with children in an educational or child care setting is desirable; experience in working with children on the Autism spectrum or with related disorders; exposure to behavior management strategies; or any combination of training and experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities.
• Incumbents are encouraged to participate in academic courses, seminars, and workshops in the areas of instruction, psychology, communication, or guidance.

Requirements:

• Must possess a First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate
• Pass the District’s adopted Proficiency Examination with a satisfactory score
• If desired, must be proficient in English and a designated second language
• Must maintain a valid California Driver’s License; if required to drive a District vehicle, must be insurable at standard market rates, under the District’s insurance policy
• Must participate in district provided in-service regarding Foundations of Autism and Behavior Intervention

Personal Qualities:

• Good health, flexibility (both mental and physical), patience, emotional stability, interest in understanding students, and ability to work in and through crisis situations

Work Year:               185 Days

Work Day:                 3-6 hours per day

Salary:                        Range 22

Board Approval:         February 2, 2016