Job Purpose Statement:

 

The purpose of the Instructional Assistant is to assist a classroom or special education teacher by performing a wide variety of instructional and clerical duties along with student supervision. The Instructional Assistant supports students with social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs in educational settings under the supervision of licensed staff. The position serves students in grades K-5 and assists in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior support plans, and instructional interventions. Responsibilities include providing direct student support, collecting and maintaining student data, implementing behavior strategies, promoting a safe learning environment, and collaborating with educational teams to support student success.

 

Job Qualifications: Education and Experience

 

Required:

 

• High School diploma or equivalent

 

Preferred:

• Preferred72 quarter hours of accredited college or equivalent education or successfully passed Work Keys Test in the areas of Math, Reading, and Business Writing.
• Safety-Care, CPI, or comparable behavioral intervention training. 
• Current First Aid and CPR certification. 
• Experience implementing positive behavior support strategies and working with students with behavioral or emotional needs.

 

 

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance
• Valid Driver’s License and evidence of insurability
• Successfully pass district background screening

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. ·

 

• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through professional practice and interactions. 
• Knowledge of instructional methods, behavior support practices, student management techniques, and child development. 
• Ability to effectively support, supervise, and instruct students individually and in small groups. 
• Ability to implement behavior intervention plans, de-escalation techniques, and approved crisis-response procedures. 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and respond appropriately in stressful situations. 
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, families, staff, and community members. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable district, state, and federal laws and regulations. 
• Skill in utilizing educational technology, office software, and standard office procedures. 
• Ability to maintain accurate records, organize materials, and complete clerical tasks with attention to detail. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team. 
• Ability to apply district policies, procedures, and practices fairly and consistently. 
• Ability to participate in ongoing professional development and implement learned practices. 
• Ability to successfully complete required physical restraint and safety training and demonstrate approved techniques when necessary. 

 

Essential Job Functions

Student Instruction and Behavior Support:

 

• Assist licensed staff in implementing IEPs, behavior support plans, and related instructional or behavioral interventions. 
• Provide individual and small-group support to reinforce academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and communication goals. 
• Assist students in developing appropriate social skills, self-regulation strategies, and positive behavioral habits. 
• Reinforce teacher-directed instruction through guided practice, independent work support, and targeted interventions. 
• Implement approved behavior support strategies, de-escalation techniques, crisis prevention practices, and alternative communication systems, including assistive technology when appropriate. 

Data Collection and Progress Monitoring

• Collect, maintain, and report academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data to support progress monitoring, functional behavior assessments, and instructional decision-making. 
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to student performance and behavioral progress. 
• Communicate regularly with teachers and other instructional team members regarding student progress and support needs. 
• Participate in student staffing meetings and collaborative planning efforts to identify appropriate interventions and supports. 

Classroom and Program Support 

• Prepare, organize, and maintain instructional materials, assessments, technology, and classroom resources. 
• Administer or supervise assessments, testing, make-up work, and other educational activities as directed. 
• Perform clerical and organizational duties in support of classroom and program operations, including filing, data entry, record maintenance, and preparation of materials. 

Student Supervision and Safety 

• Supervise students in instructional and non-instructional settings, including classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias, bus loading areas, and other school environments. 
• Promote a safe, positive, and orderly learning environment by consistently implementing school and classroom expectations. 
• Utilize approved safety procedures and crisis-response techniques to ensure the well-being of students and staff. 

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities 

• Collaborate effectively with teachers, behavior specialists, instructional assistants, administrators, families, and other service providers to support student success. 
• Under the direction of licensed staff, assist with modeling, coaching, and supporting other classified staff as assigned. 
• Participate in required training and professional development related to behavior support, student safety, instructional practices, and special education services. 
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance and perform other duties as assigned. 

 

Educational Skills

 

Language & Communication:

 

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and memos.
• Ability to speak effectively with other employees and/or students
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, managers, employees, clients, customers, and/or the general public
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from individuals or groups.

Mathematical:

 

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to make accurate mathematical computations or apply standardized statistical procedures.

Reasoning Ability:

 

• Ability to solve practical problems and deals with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

 

Workplace Expectations:

 

• Work effectively with and respond to people from diverse cultures or backgrounds.
• Demonstrate professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech and dress in a neat, clean and appropriate professional manner for the assignment and work setting.
• Have regular and punctual attendance.
• Confer regularly with other ESD staff, ESD Districts, and immediate supervisor.
• Follow all District policies, work procedures and reasonable requests by proper authority.
• Maintain the integrity of confidential information relating to a student, family, colleague or District patron.

 

Physical Requirements:

The employee must be able to participate in behavior intervention and safety procedures that may require standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting, reaching, and physically assisting students. The employee must be able to successfully complete and demonstrate district-approved restraint and safety techniques when required by student needs and district procedures.