SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT II

DEFINITION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students with moderate to severe disabilities.  Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  Assist students with personal hygiene and self-help skills.  Perform medical procedures and administer first aid and medications to students in accordance with State laws and District regulations.  Under the general guidance of certificated personnel, assist in meeting the physical, educational, and social-emotional needs of students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist with the implementation of IEPs; confer with the teacher concerning IEPs, lesson plans and materials to meet student needs.
• Assist classroom teacher in implementing District adopted curriculum for students with significant disabilities.
• Assist students with meeting IEP goals and objectives; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.
• Reinforce, for individual students or small groups of students, lesson concepts and skills using special tutorial techniques or sensory training exercises.
• Support students by: answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude, and general guidance.
• Assist in the preparation and processing of various forms and documents.
• Provide assistance to professional staff in the areas of physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
• Interact with, escort, and monitor students during field trips, physical education, and other recreational activities as directed.
• Assist students with performing and developing independent living and self-help skills as assigned.
• Assist students with the development of social, vocation, and job searching sills as assigned.
• Assist students with personal hygiene including, brushing teeth, and grooming as required.
• Assist students with eating activities, including feeding students who are unable to feed themselves.
• Assist students with toilet needs, change diapers and soiled clothing as required.
• Load and unload students on buses as directed; push students in wheelchairs; lift students in and out of orthopedic equipment and position pupils; assist students with adaptive devices as needed.  May be required to assist students during home to school transportation.
• Under the supervision of a credentialed School Nurse, or as ordered by the healthcare provider, provide specialized physical health care services to students with Individual Health Care Plans (IHCP).  Services may include but not be limited to: *Vagus Nerve Stimulation, *Catherization, *G-tube feeding, *Tracheotomy care, ventilators, and other procedures as outlined in the guidelines of the California Department of Education (CDE) and in the scope of practice of the State Licensing Board (SLB).
• Assist students with self-administering medication and/or administering medications as outlined in the guidelines of the CDE.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures.
• Grade student tests and assignments as assigned.
• Operate a variety of instructional and office equipment.
• Provide routine first aid to injured students according to established procedures as needed.

*5% salary stipend to be provided if required to perform.

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OTHER DUTIES:

• Provide routine clerical support.
• Perform other related duties as needed.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Special issues, needs and requirements of students with severe disabilities.
• Basic subjects taught in District schools.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Safe practices in classroom and recreational activities.

Ability to:

• Assist staff with instruction and related activities for students.
• Assist a diverse range of students in developing self-help and social skills.
• Demonstrate patience, consistency, caring, and understanding in approach to students.
• Communicate, understand, and follow both oral and written directions effectively.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of people.
• Learn specialized and minor physical and/or health care procedures.
• Assist in planning and prioritizing learning activities to support the educational and physical needs of students.
• Use patience and courtesy while working with students, parents, and staff.
• Operate instructional and office equipment.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Experience:

Three years of paid or volunteer experience working with children of various age levels or requiring a specialized learning environment.

Education:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, preferably with training or coursework in child growth and development, special education, instructional technology, or a closely related field.

          NCLB Requirements: a minimum of 48 semester units or an A.A.

Certificate Requirement:

Possession of a valid and current First Aid Certificate and CPR certificate, desired.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid First Aid and CPR certificates issued by an authorized agency.
• Valid California Driver’s license.

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LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: (continued)

• Crisis Prevention Institute – Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (to be provided by the District within 6 months of employment).

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Environment:

• Classroom or other learning environment, including locations in the community

Physical Requirements:

• Seeing to monitor students and read a variety of materials.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information during normal classroom activities, on the playground, and in meetings.
• Physical agility to perform a two-person lift; position a student who may weigh 150 pounds or more; and manipulate wheelchairs and orthopedic devises.
• Physical agility to:  lift 25 pounds to shoulder height and 50 pounds to waist height; reach overhead, above the shoulder and horizontally, bend at the waist; kneel or crouch; walk on uneven terrain; sit in low chairs or on the floors; and climb stairs.
• Sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity to operate instructional and office equipment.

Hazards:

• Potential for contact with blood and other body fluids, which may contain blood borne pathogens and communicable infectious diseases.