Instructional Assistant/Paraprofessional

Substitute Teacher Service, Inc.; Aston Township (PA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Substitute Teacher Service, Inc. is seeking an instructional assistant/paraprofessional to assist certified educators in delivering instructional programs.

The role focuses on helping individual students or small groups while following teacher directions to maintain an organized classroom environment. Requirements include proof of a high school diploma or higher, Pennsylvania clearances (Act 34 and Act 151) within 5 years, an FBI background check within 5 years, TB test or chest x-ray within 3

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work with individual students or small groups
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with teachers and staff
• Ability to maintain organized classroom materials and records

Responsibilities

• Execute instructional activities with individual students or small groups under teacher direction.
• Assist students in general and special education classes; help locate materials and prepare class materials.
• Monitor student behavior and support positive behavior plans as directed by teachers or school psychologists.
• Supervise students during movement, transportation, activities, and emergencies as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards regarding student information.
• Support substitute teachers by providing information and assistance as needed.

Skills

classroom support

communication

organization

Education

High school diploma or higher

Job description

Position Summary

An instructional assistant/paraprofessional is an individual who is non-certified in the area in which they are assisting (even though he/she may be licensed or certified in a profession or a technical field) who aids a certified professional in a team approach, to the performance of the certified professional's assigned program responsibilities.

Job Duties

Day- to- day job duties of an instructional assistant/paraprofessional are determined by the classroom teacher or his/her designee, as they may vary depending upon the changing needs of the classroom(s), student(s), and/or school district. Instructional assistants/paraprofessionals of any capacity are subject to daily reassignment, depending on the needs of the day. The instructional assistant/paraprofessional must comply with the duties outlined by their superior.

Qualifications and Required Documents

• Proof of a high school diploma or higher education
• A Pennsylvania Criminal Records check (Act 34) that is clean and less than 5 years old
• A Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance History (Act 151) that is clean and less than 5 years old
• A FBI Criminal History Record that is clean and less than 5 years old

Please note: clearances cannot be older than 5 years however, some districts may require new clearances that are less than 1 year old!

• Proof of a TB test or chest x-ray that is less than 3 months
• 3 professional references (contact information) and/or letters
• A Resume
• Routing number and account number for direct deposit setup
• 2 Valid forms of Identification for I-9

Essential Functions

The instructional assistant/paraprofessional is responsible for providing assistance to instructional programs by assisting the teacher in achieving educational objectives by working with individual students or small groups to help them achieve the skill levels of the class as a whole. The paraprofessional assists the teacher in providing a well- organized, smoothly functioning class environment in which students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials.

Responsibilities

• Executes instructional activities with individual students or small groups of students following teacher direction and demonstration. Provides review and reinforcement in assigned academic subject area; tutors in general education classroom subjects; assists with homework assignments. Provides assistance to students during special classes (art, music, etc.).
• Assists students in special education and general education classes. Assists in preparation of materials for class, classroom activities, assignments, location of supplementary materials from school library and other resources areas. Orally administers and transcribes tests if appropriate.
• Guides independent study, enrichment work, and review material set up and assigned by the teacher.
• Implements behavior management programs designed by teachers and/or school psychologist. Counts nd records specific student behaviors; administers procedures in the positive behavior support plan.
• Monitors student use of instructional equipment. Provides general maintenance of equipment including cleaning and disinfecting.
• Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regular teacher, while maintaining a consistent level of respect and professionalism.
• Maintains the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected in the classroom teachers.
• Assists with student supervision in regards to:
• Leaving and entering transportation vehicles (when directed), and accompanies students to and from classroom.
• Emergency drills.
• Use of equipment
• Activities of daily living (when directed)
• Observes and intervenes to redirect inappropriate behavior
• Monitors and guides student(s) to pay attention, participate in activities and complete tasks.
• Must practice in accordance with the Substitute Teacher Service, Inc. Paraprofessional Handbook policies, and school district policies.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function outlined above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Ability to quickly trail any student that elopes
• Moderate lifting from 15-35 pounds
• Moving of various items - up to 30 pounds
• Manual dexterity to use office equipment

Other Physical Requirements

• Ability to write legibly
• Vision (Near, Color, Depth Perception)
• Sense of Sound (Ability to hear fire alarms, bells, and PA system)
• Sense of Touch
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Environment

• Work is performed in all areas of district buildings, grounds, vehicles, and/or any area in which a district activity or function is taking place.
• Exposed to varying degrees of temperature relative to the conditions occurring in nature outside.

Emotional Environment

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