INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT (JOB COACH) - 6.5 HRS. DAY/5 DAYS WEEK

POSITION:  Instructional Assistant (Job Coach) – Oak Hills High School – 6.5 hrs. per day/5 days per week
FILING DEADLINE:  Until Filled
QUALIFICATIONS:  Must have 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours or proof of successful completion of the ParaProfessional Assessment.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:    Student school year.  Salary as per instructional assistant salary schedule. 

OAK HILLS LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                 AIDE (BRAILLE, CLASSROOM, INTERVENTION, S.I.T. & SPECIAL EDUCATION)
REPORTS TO:             Assigned administrator/supervisor
JOB OBJECTIVE:        Provides support services that help students benefit from the educational program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid state department of education license/permit as determined at the time of appointment.
• Meets all mandated state/federal criteria (i.e., approved degree, completion of requisite higher education credit hours/courses, or acceptable score on an authorized professional standards test).
• Behavioral management skills substantiated by training/work experience.  Duties may require agility, physical strength, and stamina to address the needs of students with problem behavior and/or students requiring physical assistance (e.g., mobility, transferring, positioning, etc.).
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies and administrative guidelines/procedures.
• Demonstrates dependability/flexibility.  Reacts to interruptions/emerging priorities effectively.
• Embodies high ethical standards/integrity.  Accepts personal responsibility for decisions/conduct.
• Exhibits consistent, impartial and resourceful critical-thinking skills.
• Maintains a record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.

            NOTE:  Position may require successful completion of communicable disease, child abuse/neglect, CPR,
            and/or first aid training as a condition of employment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
            Performs duties that facilitate the effective delivery/advancement of program services.

• Works effectively with minimal supervision.  Performs tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Performs support services that may include student assistance with daily living activities, behavior management, discrete trial training, instructional support, social skills training, task redirection, etc.

            NOTE: Performance of functions described in this document may vary in scope, frequency and duration. 
            Some duties may not be required based on assignments.  Duties designated at the time of hire may be
            modified to address current, altered, or emerging program/staffing needs.

            Braille

• Uses a variety of techniques (e.g., recorded texts, tactile graphics, Braille, etc.) to adapt materials as needed by the student and teacher.  Ensures that adapted materials are accurate/appropriate.
• Provides Braille output using a variety of systems (e.g., Braille translation software or comparable electronic rapid Braille production system, braillewriters, etc.).
• Operates and/or assists assigned students in the use of specialized equipment (e.g., braillers, keyboarding equipment, electronic scanners, personal computers, etc.).
• Performs basic Braille formatting for literacy, foreign language and Nemeth Code Rules except as requested by the teacher to address student reading ability.  Translates student brailled materials.

            Classroom

• Performs non-teaching classroom and ancillary duties under the direct supervision of an assigned teacher.  Helps individuals or small groups of students with remedial or enrichment activities.
• Helps students with disabilities participate in appropriate classroom activities as directed.

            Intervention

• Helps individuals or small groups of students with remedial or enrichment activities.  Reinforces instructional objectives introduced by the teacher.
• Helps implement intervention strategies identified in individualized educational plans (IEP).
• Prepares/distributes program materials.  Sets up classroom equipment for use (e.g., computers, media resources, etc.).  Keeps program areas orderly.  Cleans/maintains equipment as directed.                      

            Special Education

• Performs student support services that may include assistance with daily living activities, behavior management, discrete trial training, instructional support, social skills training, task redirection, etc.
• Supports an inclusive educational environment.  Helps students with disabilities participate in appropriate learning activities.  Assists with behavior management plans when required.
• Facilitates student mobility.  Helps students use assistive and/or augmentative devices.
• Assists students with personal care (e.g., catheterization, changing clothing, diapering, toileting, etc.) as trained by a health care professional.  Follows standard hygiene/sanitation procedures.

            SIT

• Determines seat assignments.  Takes attendance.  Ensures that students have books and classroom assignments.  Helps students with questions.
• Authenticates student permission to leave the room.  Tracks the location of each assigned student.
• Controls student access to lockers, toilet rooms, etc.  Prohibits loitering near the room entrance.

            Exemplifies professionalism and fosters goodwill to enhance the district’s public image.

• Contributes to an effective and positive work/learning environment.  Completes all assigned duties.
• Develops mutually respectful relationships with co-workers.  Functions as part of a cohesive team.
• Maintains a professional appearance.  Wears work attire appropriate for the position.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Respects privacy and maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
• Takes the initiative to perform routine tasks independently.

            Maintains open/effective communications.

• Prepares/maintains accurate records.  Submits required paperwork on time.
• Provides prompt notification of personal delays or absences.
• Refers district policy interpretation questions to an appropriate administrator.
• Seeks clarification when directives/expectations are unclear.
• Uses active listening and problem-solving techniques to resolve questions/concerns tactfully.
• Uses diplomacy/self-control when dealing with other individuals.  Respects diversity.

            Pursues opportunities to enhance professional performance.

• Attends training/in-service programs as directed.
• Maintains applicable credentials.  Complies with all state licensure requirements.
• Keeps current with advances in technology associated with work assignments.
• Works toward mastery of individualized development/performance goals as directed.

            Takes precautions to ensure safety.  Helps supervisors manage/eliminate risks.

• Maintains high expectations for appropriate conduct.  Watches for situations that may indicate a problem.  Follows district protocol and state law to deal with bullying, discrimination, inappropriate behavior, and suspected child abuse/neglect.

            Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

• Assists with unexpected/urgent situations as needed.
• Helps implement workplace initiatives that advance district goals.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Safety is essential to job performance.  Employees must exercise caution and comply with standard safety regulations and district procedures when involved in the following situations:

• Balancing, bending, climbing, crouching, kneeling, reaching, or standing.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.
• Exposure to air-borne particulates, chemical irritants, combustible materials, electrical hazards, equipment vibrations, loud sounds, moving mechanical parts and odors.  Exposure to wet and/or slippery surfaces.
• Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Interacting with aggressive, disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Lifting, carrying and moving work-related supplies/equipment.
• Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.  Working in/near active vehicular traffic.
• Performing strenuous or repetitive physical tasks for extended periods of time                      
• Traveling to meetings and work assignments. 

Performance Evaluation:  Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Oak Hills Local School District.

The Oak Hills Local School District is an equal opportunity employer.  This job description identifies primary responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes and unforeseen events.         Rev. 11/2011