PENDERGAST SCHOOL DISTRICT

                                                    Job Description

                              JOB TITLE:   Instructional Assistant TEACCH Program

       (Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication handicapped Children)

EXEMPT:   No                                                        

SALARY LEVEL:  12                                                

LOCATION:  Desert Horizon                                           

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:  9-Month

REPORTS TO:  Principal                                                     

SUMMARY:    Under general direction of the school principal, assists teachers working in behavioral disability and autism programs and administers specific instructional and behavioral strategies and techniques. Relieves the teacher of routine clerical duties and provides supportive activities for instructional personnel.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• 60 College Credit Hours or AA Degree or proof of successfully passing a State-approved

      Para-professional assessment

• Social Security Card
• Proof of immunity to Measles and German Measles
• Valid picture ID
• Fingerprint/background clearance (upon employment)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Training or coursework in child growth and development, behavior management, developmental and/or motor training
• Instructional technology or related field
• First-aid
• CPR (may be acquired following hire date)
• Job-related experience, working with children requiring a specialized learning environment

Such alternatives to the above required & preferred qualifications as the Superintendent/Designee may find appropriate and acceptable

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 
This classification is distinguished from other instructional assistant classifications in that the primary responsibility is working with students in the District's special education behavioral disability and autism program. Assignments may be in home, school and community environments as designated in the student's IEP (Individual Education Program). In addition to the varying locations, it is also distinguished by the absence of immediate supervision, independent judgment exercised, special needs of the population and need for knowledge of methodologies including, but not limited to Discrete Trial Training, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Social Skills, Pivotal Response, Floor Time, TEACCH Methodologies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists special needs students individually or in small groups and confers with teachers on assigned subjects to insure coordination of instructional efforts
2. Reinforces student learning activities
3. Assists in implementing Individualized Educational Plans for students with autism and behavioral disabilities
4. Directs students into safe learning activities and assists in management of student behavior through use of positive reinforcement strategies and techniques
5. Assists in the development of a variety of instructional materials and learning aids; operates and assists students in operation of a variety of instructional media
6. Monitors and assists in remediation of specific learning problems
7. Under supervision, administers specific instructional and behavioral techniques to children diagnosed with development disabilities
8. Confers with instructional personnel and provides input regarding student progress
9. Collects data and records anecdotal student progress notes, maintains and organizes program notebooks and implements program modifications
10. Administers drills, reviews data with supervisor and consultants and reports concerns
11. May be responsible for integrating special needs students in a mainstream setting
12. Administer medication in accordance with specific medical instruction, performs routine first-aid which may include aiding children experiencing seizures or respiratory problems
13. Requests appropriate assistance for serious pupil injury or illness
14. Assists in monitoring any special medical problems students may have and logs student medical information as appropriate; assists in maintaining a positive learning environment
15. Assists when necessary with physical activities and therapy, including diapering, toilet training, feeding and other self-help skills
16. Supervises students during class activities, in the library, on field trips, at lunch and recess
17. May prepare students for going home and supervise bus loading; maintains and files student records, attendance reports and files including confidential student records and information; attends a variety of meetings, workshops and inservice training to maintain current knowledge of developments within the field of special education
18. Provide one-on-one intensive behavioral intervention services (Applied Behavioral Analysis); performs a variety of regular clerical duties, such as filing, typing, word processing or duplicating materials
19. Perform such other duties and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent/Designee

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:  

Skills are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.  Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: various specific skills.

Knowledge of basic methods of instruction; general needs and behavior of children diagnosed with developmental disabilities, including an understanding of appropriate behavior management techniques used in controlling and motivating students; general concepts of child growth and development and child behavior characteristics; English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar; routine record keeping.  Ability is required to schedule activities; meetings and/or events; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment.  Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: knowledge of pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; basic first-aid and health care.

Ability to engage in strenuous physical activity including lifting as needed; learn and utilize basic methods and procedures to be followed in the special education instructional setting; provide specialized health care as needed; operate medical equipment necessary to meet the physical needs of students; reinforce instruction to students with severe physical, cognitive, communicative, behavioral and emotional disabilities from preschool through eighth grade level; manage student behavior and guide students toward more acceptable social behaviors; establish and maintain effective relationships with children with development disabilities and their parents; tutor students diagnosed with development disabilities in a special class program and/or specially designed home program; provide feedback as to how the children are performing daily assigned tasks; maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with students, fellow employees, teachers and administrative staff; keep simple records; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; utilize appropriate instructional materials and procedures; travel to student’s homes and other locations as needed; understand, communicate and follow oral and written instructions; obtain a Red Cross First-Aid certificate, including CPR training; if assignment requires, use of a personal vehicle, valid driver’s license and proof of auto insurance.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget.  Utilization of significant resources from other work units is sometimes required to perform the job’s functions.  There is some opportunity to significantly impact the Organization’s services.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  significant lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant fine-finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 35% walking and 15% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations.