Instructional Assistant- Level I

Royer Greaves; Willistown Township (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Royer Greaves School for the Blind is seeking an Instructional Assistant- Level I to support students throughout the school day. You will work closely with teachers and the student services team to provide tailored assistance, enabling participation and independence in daily activities.

The role emphasizes collaboration with therapists, nurses, and professionals to understand and respond to each student’s needs. A high school diploma is required, with higher education preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in education or related field preferred.
• Experience working with children or individuals with disabilities preferred.
• Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized or small-group support to students under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Assist students with personal care, feeding, toileting, mobility, and other activities of daily living as needed.
• Support student participation in classroom instruction, activities, community experiences, and vocational settings.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and help students access learning activities.
• Reinforce instructional strategies, behavioral supports, and classroom routines as directed.
• Implement behavior plans and strategies as directed by the teacher and BCBA.
• Support each student’s communication system or mode of communication.
• Assist students with mobility equipment and devices, including wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and canes.
• Encourage student independence and provide assistance based on needs.
• Communicate important information about students to the classroom teacher and team.
• Maintain accurate daily activity or student support logs.
• Accompany students to classes, activities, and other environments.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism with students and families.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development.
• Follow school safety procedures and assist with emergency drills.
• Perform other duties as assigned by teacher or Director of Education.

Skills

Patience

Dependability

Attentive

Teamwork

Willingness learn

Initiative

Dignity confidentiality

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Title: Instructional Assistant- Level I

Department: Education

Reports to: Education Director

Hourly : $18-20/hr

A Meaningful Opportunity to Support Students

At Royer Greaves School for the Blind, Instructional Assistants play an important role in helping students participate, learn, communicate, and become as independent as possible throughout the school day. Working closely with the classroom teacher and other members of the student’s team, the Instructional Assistant provides individualized support based on each student’s unique needs.

This position is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students while working as part of a collaborative team of teachers, therapists, nurses, behavioral professionals, and other staff. Instructional Assistants are provided with guidance and support to help them understand and respond to the individual needs of the students they serve.

What does a typical day look like

The Instructional Assistant will:

• Provide individualized or small-group support to students under the direction of the classroom teacher.


• Assist students with personal care, feeding, toileting, mobility, and other activities of daily living as needed.


• Support student participation in classroom instruction, activities, community experiences, and vocational settings.


• Prepare and organize instructional materials and assist students in accessing learning activities.


• Reinforce instructional strategies, behavioral supports, and classroom routines as directed by the teacher and appropriate specialists.


• Implement behavior plans and strategies as directed by the teacher and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.


• Support each student’s individual communication system or mode of communication.


• Assist students with mobility equipment and devices, including wheelchairs, walkers, braces, and canes, as appropriate.


• Encourage student independence and provide assistance based on the individual student’s needs.


• Communicate important information about students to the classroom teacher and other members of the educational team.


• Maintain accurate daily activity or student support logs as required.


• Accompany students to classes, activities, and other scheduled environments throughout the school day.


• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions involving students and families.


• Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development.


• Follow school safety procedures and assist with emergency drills.


• Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or Director of Education.

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are patient, dependable, and attentive to student needs.


• Work well as part of a classroom team.


• Are willing to learn and accept feedback from teachers and other professionals.


• Demonstrate initiative and are willing to assist when needed.


• Maintain a positive and respectful approach with students and colleagues.


• Understand the importance of student dignity, independence, safety, and confidentiality.


• Are comfortable learning new instructional, behavioral, communication, and therapeutic strategies.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.


• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, human services, or a related field preferred.


• Experience working with children, individuals with disabilities, or in an educational, therapeutic, healthcare, or related setting preferred.


• Relevant experience, training, or demonstrated skills may be considered in place of formal education or experience requirements.

Royer Greaves School values:

• Student Focus – Maintains attention to the student’s needs, safety, dignity, communication, and independence throughout the school day.


• Teamwork – Works collaboratively with classroom teachers, instructional assistants, therapists, nurses, behavioral professionals, and other members of the student’s team.


• Dependability – Arrives on time, follows through on responsibilities, follows directions, and can be relied upon to support students and colleagues.


• Initiative – Recognizes opportunities to assist students and the classroom team and is willing to take appropriate action without always being asked.


• Communication – Communicates clearly with teachers and team members and shares important information regarding student needs and progress.


• Adaptability – Responds positively to changing student needs and is willing to learn and implement new instructional, behavioral, communication, and therapeutic strategies.


• Professionalism and Ethics – Treats students and colleagues with respect, maintains confidentiality, and demonstrates sound professional judgment.


• Safety Awareness – Follows school safety procedures and appropriately responds to student, health, mobility, and environmental safety needs.


• Willingness to Learn – Accepts feedback and participates in training and professional development to strengthen skills and better support students.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described below represent the requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

The Instructional Assistant may be required to:

• Frequently stand and walk throughout the school day.


• Sit, bend, reach, and use hands and arms as needed to support students and classroom activities.


• Assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, and activities of daily living as appropriate to the student’s needs and training.


• Communicate verbally and listen effectively throughout the school day.


• Occasionally lift or assist with moving objects or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.


• Work in a school environment with a moderate level of noise and frequent interaction with students and staff.

the above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Royer-Greaves School for the Blind is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

“Every person is unique and getting to know everyone has made me a better person and broadened my perspective on how to work with people with various disabilities. What makes Royer-Greaves a great place to work is working in a challenging environment and knowing that you are part of a team.”

-Chris Nelson, School Nurse