Special Services Instructional Assistant

CLAY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Job Description

JOB TITLE: PARAPROFESSIONAL (Instructional Assistant)

CLASSIFICATION: Classified

CERTIFICATION: 60 hrs of College Credit or Successful Completion of Praxis ParaPro Test

REPORTS TO: Building Principal

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: At-Will

LENGTH OF TERM: 180 Days

This job description includes: 1) Instructional Assistants; 2) Remediation/Tutor Aides; 3) Prime Time Assistants; and, 4) Office Assistants.

SUMMARY: Assists the teacher and principal in meeting the needs of students and staff by performing any combination of the following tasks:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Other Duties May Be Assigned)

• Discusses assigned teaching area with the teacher or administrator to coordinate instructional efforts
• Sets up, operates and cares for appropriate equipment
• Assists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts
• Conducts individual and small group instruction as appropriate
• Assists with supervision of students and helps monitor student discipline
• Prepares lesson plans for substitute instructional assistant in the event of a planned absence
• Helps teacher and/or substitute teacher maintain routine and assists as needed
• Initiates behavior modification when necessary for students, using charts, rewards, etc.
• Communicates with parents in a positive manner
• Assists with clerical duties: types (tests, purchase orders), copies, laminates, organizes and updates files, records and mainstream lists, records attendance, checks assignments, etc., as appropriate for program and specific assignment
• Helps plan and prepare hall and classroom bulletin boards and other classroom learning displays, as appropriate
• Helps students with clothes, toilet routines, lunch, snack and cleanup routines, as needed
• Attends school staff meetings and training sessions
• Incorporates new instructional methods and/or strategies
• Participates in and contributes to a process of continual professional improvement
• Adapts and modifies curriculum materials as appropriate
• Helps with activities such as: reading to students as needed, reviewing for tests, assisting teacher with plays and special activities, chaperoning field trips, may also be involved in job coaching
• Assists teacher in monitoring assignment sheets as identified for specific students
• Serves as liaison between student, teacher or administrator
• Shares insights with the teacher concerning a pupil’s needs or concerns
• Maintains confidentiality
• Maintains a regular and reliable level of attendance in order to perform and complete duties
• Performs other duties as assigned by Principal

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Certification/Licenses

High School Diploma or GED and 60 hours of college credit or successful completion of Praxis ParaPro Test

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals; ability to utilize effective communication skills and proper grammar in reports and correspondence; ability to speak effectively with supervisors, students, parents, and other employees

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts and the ability to complete routine arithmetical calculations

Reasoning Abilities

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables; ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form

Other Skills And Abilities

Ability to use machines, tools, equipment and work aids which are commonly associated with this type of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 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 essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see and hear. The employee frequently is required to: stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and, taste or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and, the ability to focus. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally must lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.