Instructional Assistant II - Special Ed (SUBSTITUTE ONLY)

Berkeley Unified School District; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Berkeley Unified School District is seeking a Substitute Instructional Assistant to support certificated staff in reinforcing instruction for students with special needs in a classroom setting.

Responsibilities include health monitoring, behavior support, and assisting with instructional materials and activities while maintaining student confidentiality and safety.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; one year experience with students in an organized setting or individuals with special needs.
• First aid and CPR certificates preferred.
• Experience working with students with special needs is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist instructional staff in reinforcing instruction for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
• Monitor student health conditions and respond to emergencies per district protocols.
• Observe and redirect student behavior according to approved procedures.
• Assist students with classroom assignments and adapt materials as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information as required by law.
• Perform routine clerical duties to support educational activities.

Skills

Assist instruction

Monitor health conditions

Observe and Redirect behavior

Oral and written communication

Student engagement support

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Copier

Computer

Educational software

Job description

THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO ESTABLISH A SUBSTITUTE POOL ONLY

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of a certificated administrator, assist certificated teachers and/or other service providers in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students with special needs; assist in providing learning activities and meeting the special needs of assigned students in areas related to feeding, toileting, positioning, hygiene, motor skills, sensory and physical therapy functions; monitor health conditions. Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of Individual Education Programs; provide routine clerical duties in support of educational program.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Instructional Assistant I-Special Education incumbents provide instructional support to students classified with mild to moderate learning and/or emotional disabilities.

Instructional Assistant II-Special Education incumbents provide instructional support, health and hygiene services and behavior modifications to students classified with mild to moderate or moderate to severe learning and/or emotional disabilities. Incumbents in this class may be trained in specialized health care procedures.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist instructional staff and/or other service providers in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students classified with mild to moderate or moderate to severe learning and/or emotional disabilities in a classroom or other learning environment; monitor and reinforce student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; assist with the implementation of Individual Education Programs
• Monitor student health conditions; respond to seizures, respiratory problems and other medical emergencies according to District protocols; prepare related paperwork as appropriate; notify appropriate staff of student health conditions and progress
• Observe, monitor and redirect behavior of students in accordance with grade level, student's ability to understand discipline and approved procedures; utilize approved techniques for responding to students whose behavior may ... (including spitting, pinching, biting, hair-pulling, kicking and hitting); collect data and monitor progress
• Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework and projects in various subject areas; ensure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, positive attitude and general guidance; confer with instructional staff and/or other service providers concerning adapting lesson plans and materials to meet student needs
• Assist students with personal hygiene including bathing, brushing teeth and grooming as required; assist students with eating activities; toilet students and change diapers and soiled clothing as required
• Monitor and assist students with activities to develop small muscle and eye-hand coordination; assist students in learning gross motor skills such as walking, jumping and climbing; assist students in learning fine motor skills such as reaching, grabbing, folding, cutting and writing
• Perform routine clerical duties in support of educational activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; distribute and collect student assignments, documents and various forms Reinforce concepts and ensure student understanding of assignments and homework instructions; reinforce vocabulary and concepts as necessary; assist students with meeting individual education goals and objectives; collect data and report progress regarding student performance and behavior
• Observe and redirect behavior of students according to approved procedures; monitor and interact with students during outdoor, physical education and other recreational activities as directed; develop incentives as positive reinforcement; reinforce behavior modification techniques determined by the teacher
• Assist with maintaining student records and files related to progress, behavior and assigned activities; prepare mandated time accounting reports and documentation as required; collect data and monitor student progress
• Assist students to perform and develop independent living and self-help skills such as shopping, counting money, cleaning and related activities as assigned; assist students to develop social, vocational and job searching skills as assigned
• Read books to students and observe their reading abilities; assist students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition; assist students with assignments such as reading, writing and mathematics
• Escort students during the regular duty day as assigned to and from designated locations; accompany students on fieldtrips, recreational therapy activities, social events and during outdoor activities; may accompany students to District-sponsored events or recreational functions
• Assist in maintaining the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures
• Assist in maintaining a learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; provide classroom support by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with state and federal mandates
• Operate a variety of office and classroom equipment including a copier, computer and software as appropriate
• Communicate with faculty, staff, administrators and others to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns; answer telephone calls, take messages and provide general class and student information as assigned
• Respond to student medical emergencies according to District protocol and prepare related paperwork as appropriate
• Assist in monitoring, classroom supplies;; assist in ordering and arranging food items as appropriate

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Guidance principles and practices related to students with special needs
• Basic subjects taught in local schools, including basic and advanced arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, history, science and reading
• Basic instructional methods and techniques
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
• Challenges and concerns of students with special needs
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities
• Operation of standard office and classroom equipment including a computer
• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and professionalism
• Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques
• Serving students with disabilities in full-inclusion settings

ABILITY TO:

• Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment
• Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students with special needs
• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials in support of Individual Education Programs
• Perform routine clerical duties including keyboarding, filing and duplicating materials
• Understand and relate to students with special needs
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward students with special needs
• Read books to students and assist with reading and writing activities
• Collect data, monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Operate standard office and classroom equipment including a computer
• Observe health and safety regulations
• Prepare routine reports

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year experience working with studentsin an organized setting or individuals with special needs.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid first aid and CPR certificates issued by authorized agency preferred

Incumbents must meet requirements specified under the Every Student Succeeds Act

Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read and write in a designated second language

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom and other indoor and outdoor learning environments

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment
Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
Bending at the waist and/or kneeling to assist students
Lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling students weighing up to 50 pounds and with assistance for over 50 pounds
Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities
Hearing and speaking to exchange information

HAZARDS:

Contact with dissatisfied, assaultive or abusive individuals
Potential physical hazards involved in intervening in fights and other anti-social, and violent behaviors
Exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious diseases

EXAMINATION INFORMATION:

The first step is an application screening to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description.

Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the following two-part examination process:

First Examination: Training and Experience Assessment - Qualifying Pass/Fail

The Training and Experience (T&E) assessment will evaluate each candidate’s complete application, including employment history, education, training, and responses to the required supplemental questions. The supplemental questions align with the approved duties and qualifications for the position.

Candidates must receive a Pass rating on the T&E assessment to proceed to the second examination.

Second Examination: 100% of Final Examination Score

Candidates who pass the T&E assessment will be invited to participate in a second examination. The second exam may consist of a written exam, an oral exam, a performance exam, a structured interview (SI), or a qualification appraisal interview (QAI).

The second examination will determine 100% of the candidate’s numerical examination score and placement on the eligibility list.

The passing score will be set between 50 and 99, under the direction of the Personnel Director, based on factors specific to the examination and recruitment. Once established, the passing score will be applied uniformly to all candidates.

Candidates must pass each examination component to proceed. Candidates who do not pass will be notified of their results and applicable review or appeal rights.

Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

SALARIES:

All salaries, as stated, are based on present information and are subject to change. The hiring rate shall be the first step of the schedule, except for classes where recruitment efforts have indicated difficulty in recruiting at that step. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting, and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.

Notification of Non-Discrimination Policy:

The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to providing equal opportunity for all individuals in district programs and activities. Accordingly, BUSD programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The Board shall promote programs that ensure that discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. (Board Policy 0410, Board Policy 1311, Board Policy 4030, Board Policy 5145.3, Board Policy 5145.7)

The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy. (Board Policy 4030)

Complaint forms are available at school sites and on the district webpage at www.berkeleyschools.net/complaints.

For inquiries or concerns regarding BUSD nondiscrimination policy or the filing of discrimination complaints, please contact:
Jasmina Viteskic, Director, Civil Rights & Compliance
2020 Bonar Street Room 116, Berkeley, CA 94702
Phone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

More information is available at