Instructional Assistant - Emotional/Learning Support

East Penn School District; Macungie (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 28,929,600; Part time

Job summary

East Penn School District is seeking an Instructional Assistant to support and assist the academic or physical needs of students with special needs. The role includes one-on-one or small group review, classroom management, and implementing behavior support plans under certified staff supervision.

This is a 29 hours/week, 10-month position. Suitable candidates will have a High School Diploma or GED, CPR/First Aid, and meet one of the credential/education requirements listed.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must acquire and maintain CPR and basic first aid certification.
• Meet one of the following: 2+ years post-secondary, associate degree or higher, state/local competency standard, or PDE Para Educator Credential.

Responsibilities

• Assist with individual or group review of material.
• Monitor and direct activities per classroom teacher.
• Attend to physical needs of students as needed.
• Maintain safe, positive educational environment.

Skills

English language

Communication

Relationship building

Organization

Technology literacy

Confidentiality

IEP understanding

Education

High School Diploma or GED

CPR & First Aid certification

Two years post-secondary or associates degree

Para Educator Credential of Competency

Job description

Hours

29 Hours/Week

Job Description

Title:

Instructional Assistant

Organizational / Labor Relationship:

Collective Bargaining Agreement East Penn School District and Administrative Assistant and Instructional/Staff Assistant Employees

Status (FLSA):

Non-exempt, 10 month position, Instructional Assistants can work on normal student days

Reporting Relationships:

Ascending building administrator; Descending none

Evaluation:

Instructional Assistants are reviewed after the initial 90 days of employment and annually thereafter by the building administrator

Position Summary:

An Instructional Assistant supports and assists the academic or physical needs of students with special needs in instructional programs and services. The support and assistance includes one-on-one or group review of material taught by certificated staff, classroom management and implementation of positive behavior support plans.

Qualifications

Experience working in an educational setting, preferred

Education/Certification

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent, and
• Must acquire and maintain a current and active CPR and basic first aid certification, and
• Meet one of the requirements below:
  • Have completed at least two (2) years of post secondary study;
  • Possess an associates degree or higher;
  • Meet a rigorous standard of quality as demonstrated through a State or local assessment; or
  • \"Para Educator Credential of Competency\" as issued by PDE

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar
• Ability to effectively communicate with students, staff, parents, and administrators
• Ability to build and maintain working relationships and positive rapport with students, staff, parents and administrators
• Ability to organize and plan effectively
• Ability to attend work regularly at assigned work hours subject to lawful leave rights and responsibilities
• Ability to use all applicable technological equipment and software to support student learning
• Ability and knowledge to use technology to communicate with students, parents, staff, and administrators
• Ability to carry out assigned tasks with limited supervision
• Basic familiarity with adaptive and/or medical equipment as required for individual students
• Understand and comply with confidentiality protocols
• Understanding of foundations of special education
• Understanding of diversity as related to disability, learning styles, and cultures
• Understanding the process of delivery of instruction
• Understanding learning environments and social interactions
• Understanding components and reasons for assessment
• Understanding of responsibility for professional and ethical practice demonstrated by fairness and impartiality
• Understanding of the process of collaboration
• Ability to perform basic clerical tasks
• Knowledge of basic computer skills
• Ability to maintain discipline of students in all school settings
• Knowledge of operation of basic office machinery

Essential Functions / Duties / Responsibilities

• Work with an individual or groups as directed by the classroom teacher to reinforce skill development
• Work with individual, pairs, or groups of students to monitor or direct activities as directed by classroom teacher
• If appropriate, monitor and tend to the physical needs of students as required.
• Monitor students as necessary in all school settings including, but not limited to, cafeteria, hallways, library, classrooms, study halls, on and off bus, etc.
• Complete clerical duties such as copying, assembling, laminating, answering phones, etc as assigned by the classroom teacher
• Other duties as assigned by classroom teacher or building administrator(s).
• Provide a safe, secure and positive educational environment through appropriate student supervision and intervention
• Assist with an individual student or groups of students as required by the IEP or the School District to reinforce educational skill development including but not limited to academic content areas and/or daily living skills
• Use strategies and follow protocols for behavior management to meet the unique needs of each individual student as required by IEP and/or Employer
• Prepare, adapt and modify educational materials and supplies to enhance student understanding and learning
• Attend and complete successfully all staff development trainings and/or meetings as required by the employer
• Practice appropriate hygienic precautions for student, self and the work environment
• Twenty (20) hours of staff development activities related to assignment completed annually between July 1st and June 30th each year in accordance CHAPTER 14
• Demonstrated ability to work with school age students
• This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, lift, reach, communicate (vision, hearing, and speech), carry or convey sufficient weight to safely and effectively carry out functions, duties, and responsibilities
• Ability to independently ambulate in and around school buildings and office areas
• Ability to travel to and from assigned work locations without employer support
• Is able to independently read, write, speak and comprehend the English language
• Ability to lift, position, transport and maneuver students as needed
• Ability to physically restrain student in accordance with District protocols

This job description may be updated and/or altered at the sole discretion of the employer.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function / duty / responsibility at acceptable standards as set by the employer. In accordance with both state and/or federal law, reasonable accommodations will be considered upon employee request.

EOE