Instructional Assistant

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Works "alongside of" a licensed teacher to support individual or small groups of students with special needs instructionally, behaviorally, and at times physically to assist them in learning skills for life.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

The following duties are typical for a paraprofessional position. There might be extra duties, which are not listed below, that logically relate to the paraprofessional position. Other duties may be required and assigned. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, administration reserves the right to revise the job description.

• Assists teachers in preparing instructional materials/activities.
• Assists students to reinforce material already presented through special efforts and repetitions; preparing and maintaining files and reports; as well as assisting with data collection.
• Assists classroom teacher(s) in performing specific duties as assigned or undertaking specialized tasks.
• Assists in providing individual and small-group instruction in order to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students' abilities.
• Assists in reinforcing and maintaining standards of student's behavior, created and implemented by the classroom teacher.
• Assists the classroom teacher in creating an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Assists in caring for the cleanliness of the classroom by periodically washing dishes, wiping surfaces, laundry, refilling items, etc. (based on environmental needs in certain classrooms).
• Conducts learning exercises with small groups of students.
• Assists with instructing students on use of technology or augmentative communication devices.
• Assists students in developing problem solving skills and language skills as planned by the classroom teacher.
• Alerts the teacher to strengths, challenges, and special needs of individual students at an appropriate time (i.e. not in front of the student, if a negative comment).
• Provides escort and assistance to children as necessary, as it pertains to physical and behavioral needs.
• Assists in scoring quizzes, tests, and other assessments as well as entering data into a computer where appropriate.
• Checks students' work for compliance with teacher's instructions (i.e. provides feedback to the student on missed items, but does not do the work for the student).
• Assists students with content area skills (math, reading, writing, spelling, history, etc.), which may include reading aloud to the student.
• Demonstrates confidentiality when maintaining individual records for each student.
• Collects and displays suitable material for educational displays; prepares displays; decorates classroom.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Assists in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct.
• Helps maintain order in the classroom; monitors students to keep them on tasks as specified in the classroom teachers' behavior management plan or for individual student behavior plans.
• Performs a variety of office assistance tasks such as photocopying, filing, answering the telephone, etc. as required.
• Selects and checks out library materials for teacher's use, as requested by the classroom teacher.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

General knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques used in a classroom setting; ability to maintain confidential files and information and to compile reports; ability to effectively manage students' needs and behavior while collaborating with other school staff; skill in the use of classroom and instructional equipment; ability to operate standard office, word and data processing equipment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, parents, students, and associates.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Applicants must have a minimum of two years college experience OR successfully completed Parapro Assessment. Individuals who do not meet these qualifications will not be considered. Applicants must satisfy Title I Instructional employment eligibility requirements. See Job Grades information related to years college education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.

This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects, and some medium work requiring the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, going up/down stairs, and repetitive motions (sometimes for extended periods of time); occasionally running may be required to keep students in proximity; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, and determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions and noise. This position may require training that enables the paraprofessional to lift/transfer students from one location to another, in order to assist with daily living needs/skills. In certain classrooms, this position may also require training that enables the paraprofessional to provide medical/self-care needs (i.e. hand washing, feeding, diapering, etc.).

This position requires the ability to communicate (oral and written), coordinate, instruct, compute, and to evaluate on a consistent and on-going basis. Mental stamina in staying on target with learning activities for the full class, small groups and individual students; remain alert to student behaviors/safety needs and medical needs in the classroom and recall established/legal procedures in getting needs met.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily in a classroom setting: inside environment, exposure to illnesses such

as colds and flu; classroom management needs of instructing and guiding multiple students; work environment is combination of instruction to small groups and 1 on 1, multiple activities going on at once, quiet assignments and interactive assignments and on-going monitoring. Exposure to outside elements may occur during transitions, field trips, and recess.

RCPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person(s) has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Hayley Poland - Title IX Coordinator (540) 853-1393.

For inquiries regarding employment non-discrimination policies please contact Human Resources at 853-2502.