Santa Maria-Bonita School District INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT III - SEVERELY HANDICAPPED BASIC FUNCTION Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of functions pertaining to the care, instruction, and training of severely handicapped students; perform a variety of routine clerical and supporting activities for instructional and therapy personnel. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Assist instructional and therapy personnel to plan, organize, and conduct instructional, training, and therapy activities with students experiencing various physical and learning handicapsE; reinforce and follow up learning and training activities with individual studentsE; monitor and assist children in a variety of self-help activities including dressing, feeding and use of bathroom facilities including bath and showerE; assist and aid students experiencing personal accidents and who have a limited control of body functionsE; assist in the management of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and techniquesE; observe and control behavior of students according to approved proceduresE; assist in the shaping of social behaviorE; supervise and discipline students according to approved policies and proceduresE; monitor and assist students in drill, practice and study activitiesE; direct students into safe learning activities and functionsE; assist physical therapy personnel in pursuing a prescribed program which may include limb manipulation, body movement, stretching, and swimming instruction as requiredE; assist in the development of communication skills for students with language and hearing disordersE; prepare lessons as directed by the teacherE; assist in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aidesE; perform routine first aid including emergency treatment of students experiencing seizures or respiratory problemsE; administer medication in accordance with specific medical instructionE; confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of severely handicapped studentsE; maintain confidentiality of student records and information according to established guidelinesE; accompany mainstreamed students to regular classrooms as assignedE; provide instructional assistanceE; direct student activities as assignedE; assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activitiesE; accompany students on field trips as assignedE; assist students wearing braces and other mechanical apparatusE; lift and move students as neededE; participate in staff meetings, inservice training programs and parent conferences as assignedE; perform a variety of routine clerical duties in support of instructional therapy personnelE; operate instructional and office equipmentE; perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics of severely handicapped children; Behavior management strategies and techniques, and a variety of reinforcement methods and strategies; Problems and concerns of students with special needs; Safe practices in classroom activities; Basic subjects taught in District schools including arithmetic, reading, writing, grammar, and spelling; Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct; Correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar and vocabulary; Methods, techniques, and procedures for lifting and moving children incapable of providing assistance; Basic first aid and emergency treatment procedures. Ability to: Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward severely handicapped children; Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment; Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities, communication and behavioral problems; Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities; Understand and follow oral and written directions; Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures; Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; Work confidentially with discretion; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Ability to: Understand and work within scope of authority; Communicate effectively with children and adults; Learn the procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties; Operate a variety of educationally related machines and equipment; Learn to utilize a variety of instructional materials and procedures to enhance the training and educational environment for severely handicapped children. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Any combination equivalent to: Graduation from High School supplemented by training and coursework in child growth and development, special education instructional technology, and subject areas dealing with the severely handicapped and two years of paid or volunteer experience working with severely handicapped children. WORKING CONDITIONS Environment: Indoor classroom environment. Physical Abilities: Sitting or standing for extended periods of time; Bending at the waist; Kneeling or crouching to assist students; Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations; Seeing to read assignments and to monitor student activities; Lifting heavy, non-compliant students. Hazards: Contact with dissatisfied or abusive students who bite, kick and slap; Potential exposure to communicable diseases and contact with blood and other body fluids. Approved: 02/25/98 \descripti\class\iaiiish