INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

Cont.

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

DEFINITION

Under administrative supervision and the direction of a teacher or other licensed staff, the instructional assistant provides support services in classrooms, resource centers, or other school related areas and performs a wide variety of instructional duties including assisting the classroom teacher with the supervision and instruction of students.

REPORTS TO: Principal

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The primary emphasis for the Instructional Assistant position is direct involvement with students in the instructional program. Services rendered by the Instructional Assistant shall be in regular classrooms during times of instruction and assisting with the supervision of students during non-instructional activities. The Instructional Assistant may also be expected to perform certain duties relating to a student’s physical needs (e.g. catheterization, lifting, toileting, transferring, feeding, etc.). Handling of body fluids, of severely disabled students may be a daily task.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Assists students in their understanding of academic, life skills and/or appropriate social behavioral concepts by reemphasizing the basic elements of teacher-directed activities.
  • Scores student work which does not require analysis or interpretation under the direction of licensed staff.
  • Keeps records and charts of student progress.
  • Assists with the general supervision of students both inside and outside of the classroom.
  • Prepares materials for instructional use under the direction of licensed staff.
  • Fulfills other related duties as assigned or assumed.
  • May assist special education teaching staff with implementing individualized education plan (IEP) goals including related services.
  • May assist special education teaching staff in communicating with teachers and parents on students’ progress.
  • May assist mainstreamed students to participate in extracurricular activities (e.g., music, intramural sports).

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

  • May assist with alternative methods of communication (e.g. signing).
  • Assist with the physical management of students, including lifting, moving, and positioning of handicapped students.
  • Learn and perform assigned duties relating to the students’ physical needs (e.g., diapering, toileting, feeding, catheterization, ventilation, etc.), following safety standards established by a school nurse, physician, or regional program specialist.
  • Learn and perform safe transfers for students from wheelchair to changing table, bus to classroom, classroom to playground, etc.
  • Learn and follow proper procedures in handling body fluids.

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated competence in the areas of mathematics, reading, writing and speaking.

Knowledge of:

  • The importance of using effective teaching methods and procedures.
  • The importance of following policy and practices regarding student records, behavior and confidentiality.
  • The importance of using effective instructional materials and their uses.
  • Effective behavior management procedures.
  • Developmental characteristics of children.

Ability to:

  • Work cooperatively with teachers, students, and adults.
  • Learn classroom procedures rapidly
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Follow a schedule
  • Perform tasks involving use of independent judgment.
  • Work cooperatively with a teacher and to learn classroom procedures and skills rapidly and thoroughly.
  • Perform physical duties as required.
  • Be trustworthy with confidential information.

EXPERIENCE

  • Having worked with students and staff in a school or youth organization is preferred.

EDUCATION

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • 2-year college degree or equivalent.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1.In an eight-hour day employee may:

a. Stand/Walk[ ]None[ ]1-4 Hours[X]4-6 Hours[]6-8 Hours

b. Sit[ ]None[X]1-3 Hours[ ]3-5 Hours[]5-8 Hours

c. Drive[X]None[ ]1-3 Hours[ ]3-5 Hours[]5-8 Hours

2.Employee may use hands for repetitive:

[X]Single Grasping [X]Pushing and Pulling [X]Fine Manipulation

3.Employee may use feet for repetitive movement as in operating foot controls:

[ ]Yes [X]No

4.Employee may need to:

a. Bend[X]Frequently[ ]Occasionally[]Not at all

b. Squat[X]Frequently[ ]Occasionally[]Not at all

c. Climb Stairs[ ]Frequently[X]Occasionally[]Not at all

d. Lift[ ]Frequently[X]Occasionally[]Not at all

5.Lifting:

[ ]Sedentary Work: Lifting 10 pounds occasionally with frequent sitting and occasional standing/walking.

[X]Light Work: Lifting 20 pounds occasionally with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.

[ ]Medium Work: Lifting 50 pounds occasionally, 25 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.

[ ]Medium Heavy Work: Lifting 75 pounds occasionally, 35 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.

[ ]Heavy Work: Lifting 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently with occasional sitting and frequent standing/walking.

Other physical requirements:

  • Most Instructional Assistants perform outside recess duty as part of their daily responsibilities. This may require standing outside for periods of time - sometimes in inclement weather.
  • If assigned to a student requiring physical assistance, Instructional Assistant will be required to lift more than 20 pounds.

Revised 7/04