• This posting will remain open until filled
• Multiple positions available for 24/25 SY:  Regular positions, specialized program IAs and inclusion IAs, Secondary
• School:  TBD
• Hours:  6.5 hours per day
• Start date:  September
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Job Classification: Instructional Services

Job Title: Instructional Assistant - Special Education

POSITION SUMMARY

The job of “Instructional Assistant - Special Education” is done under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed staff member and assists licensed staff by providing concentrated academic and behavioral support to students with various disabilities in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; observing and documenting student progress and/or behavior; providing information to appropriate school personnel; supervising students; and attending student meetings and job related trainings. Employees in this classification do not supervise others and reports to the Principal, Special Education Administrator or designee.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for all students to participate in classroom activities.
• Administers first aid and prescription medications to students for the purpose of providing emergency or necessary care in accordance with district, state and federal requirements.
• Assists special education students requiring daily care (i.e. toileting, diapering, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for all students.
• Confers with teachers/specialists and participates in team meetings for the purpose of assisting in evaluating student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Documents students’ activities and progress (i.e. activity logs, incident reports, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher and/or administrator in providing records/materials.
• Implements academic instruction designed by a teacher for individuals or small groups for the purpose of meeting learning goals, as described by an IEP and/or district benchmarks.
• Implements behavior plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other handicapping conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting students needs and providing a consistent environment.
• Monitors individual students, classroom, library, playground activities, etc. for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Provides direct instructional services to students under the supervision of a licensed staff member (i.e. Early Bird sessions, detention, assigned students, etc.) for the purpose of implementing IEP goals and/or remediation for student deficiencies.
• Provides behavioral support on district transportation using methods such as re-directing, positive reinforcement, collaborative conversations and planning with students aligned with their individual support plan.
• Responds to emergency situations (i.e. injured student, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns.
• Participates in in-service workshops and training for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying information related to job functions and/or improving one’s skills/knowledg

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students verbally or in writing (i.e., accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
• Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Demonstrates professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress in a neat, clean, and appropriate professional manner for the assignment and work setting.
• Contributes positively to a positive work environment.
• Collaborates effectively with others.
• Maintains consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School diploma or equivalent; 72 quarter hours of accredited college or equivalent education or passing score on Work Keys Test. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Experience: 1-2 years of experience working with behaviorally at-risk children, or an equivalent amount of education and experience preferred.

Skills: Operate a computer, office machines, telephone and other technology equipment. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent organization skills. Must be alert to cognitive and physical handicaps (i.e. Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy) and the capabilities of special needs students and react in a sensitive and helpful way to situations in the classroom and school setting. Skills to perform instructional activities, communicate with parents, students, staff and community, basic arithmetic calculations, operate standard office equipment, use English in verbal and written form, use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling, and perform basic clerical functions. Must have background to assist with a wide variety of subject matter, i.e. reading, social studies and mathematics.

Knowledge: Knowledge of principles of child development, instructional processes.

Abilities: Work harmoniously with others. Work and communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds in English, Spanish, or other languages related to the job. Work independently without supervision, and with minimum oral/written instructions. Ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, understand and carry out oral and written instructions, maintain confidentiality of student records, meet schedules and deadlines, read/interpret/apply rules, regulations and policies. Ability to concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations and use appropriate teaching methods as described by program supervisory staff. Ability to manage student behavior through the use of verbal and physical cueing. Significant physical abilities include lifting/reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity, moving to various locations within the classroom and school. Ability to perform physical management techniques on children.

Continuing Education/Training Clearances: Pre-employment criminal justice fingerprint clearance and criminal background check. May be required to obtain and maintain current First Aid/CPR certification. May be required to become certified in Oregon Intervention System (OIS) or similar district assigned program.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

In a 6.5-8 hour work day, this job requires:

R- Rarely (Less than .5 hr per day) O-Occasionally (.5-2.5 hrs per day)

F-Frequently (2.5-5.5 hrs per day) C-Continually (5.5-8 hrs per day)

NA-Not applicable

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to physically interact with students who are aggressive, emotional and/or unpredictable in their reactions. The employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally may be very loud. The work environment may be fast paced and emotionally demanding.

The Forest Grove School District is an equal opportunity employer and provides services to the public on an equal opportunity basis and does not discriminate in employment or the provision of public services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, citizenship or marital status.

Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the Director of Human Resources at the Forest Grove School District, 503-359-2414.