Instructional Assistant

Description

FLSA Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt (unless specified otherwise)

Benefits may include: Paid Holidays/Holy Days, 403b Retirement, 401 (a) Pension Plan, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Employee Assistance Program, Short-term/Long-term Disability. *Benefits may vary based on employment status and location.

Summary:

The Instructional Assistant fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by assisting the classroom teacher in planning, guiding, and educating students in a loving, Christ-centered environment. The Instructional Assistant assists the classroom teacher in evaluating the learning process of the students in the Catholic school for whom the teacher is responsible within the framework of the school’s philosophy, organization, and curriculum. The Instructional Assistant helps the teacher prepare instructional materials, assists with students, and supports learning activities that have been defined by the teacher.

Position Responsibilities:

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the policies and procedures of the school and Archdiocese of San Antonio, including the Religious Standards for Catholic School Employees
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Adheres to safety training and protocols on a daily basis, and takes precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of self, others.   
• Responsible for protecting the confidentiality of any information or material obtained in the service with the organization to include but not limited to client names and information, services rendered to clients, donors names and gifts, internal and external investigations or results of any investigations, and financial information.
• Adherence to the Code of Conduct and the Faith and Moral Policy is mandatory.
• Every employee is required to take a solution-oriented approach in their interactions and undertakings, as well as being a team member that promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Planning/Preparation

• Assist the teacher(s) in preparing materials, teaching aids, bulletin boards and equipment for direct instructional activity, including locating, copying, collating, distributing, and/or grouping materials supporting instructional activities planned by the teacher.
• Schedule space for specialized instructional programs and coordinate the arrangement of equipment, desks, tables, chairs and activity areas
• Examine short- and long-term unit plans prepared by the teacher and anticipate the need for specific supplies and materials
• Assist the teacher in preparing for changing curriculum to meet the needs of students 
• Confer with teacher on progress of students.
• Serve as substitute teacher when necessary

Administrative/Management

• Use time efficiently
• Provide student supervision before, during, and after school while they are loading, riding, and unloading buses or cars, on the playground, in the cafeteria, in a learning or practice situation, following appropriate training, as assigned.
• Assist in maintaining the security of records, materials, and equipment
• Assist the teacher in the enforcement of classroom rules and the maintenance of appropriate records.
• Maintain a clean and orderly environment for students
• Check objective tests and mark errors but not assign a grade.
• Escort or transport students to and from classrooms, clinic, cafeteria as required.

Intervention/Direct Services

• Provide instructional assistance as planned or coordinated by the teacher or administrator.
• Lead small group activity, following appropriate training, planned by the teacher in an atmosphere where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
• Lead small group activity, following appropriate training, planned by the teacher in an atmosphere where students are actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences.
• Assist students with personal hygiene, health and safety issues, or grooming if required.

Collaboration

• Work closely with teacher(s) or other professionals to create a quality instructional environment.
• Meet and deal effectively with staff members, students, parents, administrators, and other contact persons using tact and good judgment.
• Exercise service orientation when working with others
• Exhibit interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member.

Professional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Follow attendance, punctuality, and other qualities of an appropriate work ethic
• Ensure adherence to good safety standards.
• Model and maintain high ethical standards.
• Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
• Use effective, positive interpersonal communication skills.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner
• Demonstrate support for the school and its goals and priorities
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement
• Participate in cross-training activities as required. Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education
• High school diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED)
• Experience
• Two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education; or (b) Associate’s or higher degree; or (c) Knowledge and ability to assist in instruction in core subjects
• Experience working at day camps, youth groups, private schools, licensed day-care centers, or similar experience with children
• License and Credentials
• Reliable transportation
• Valid driver license
• Valid vehicle insurance

Minimum Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of school procedures and policies. Ability to adapt to different situations and schedules.
• Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used in working with targeted student population. 
• Ability to relate and communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing. Ability to plan and/or implement instructional activities. 
• Ability to operate or learn to operate a variety of technology and equipment. 
• Ability to perform clerical responsibilities. 
• Ability to cooperate and work as a member of a team. 
• Physical ability to lift student if required by job assignment.
• Must be detail oriented, organized, self-motivated, work well independently and on a team;
• Must have good written and verbal skills;
• Must have good critical thinking and problem solving skills.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise as needed.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.