Special Education Assistant

Job Summary
Assists students with various needs including behavioral needs, severe medical and/or mobility needs, who are medically fragile, and/or students with disabilities receiving special education services. Provides support and assistance to help students access the instructional program in school and community settings. Maintains a safe educational environment for students.
Essential Functions
• Records and reports appropriate data regarding academic, behavioral and/or health information and services provided to students using the appropriate service log.
• Assists students to use instructional materials and equipment.
• Provides verbal and/or written feedback of observations to the teacher.
• Works with students to reinforce instructional objectives, and implement Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goals and objectives for students with disabilities receiving special education services.
• Adapts activities, assignments and/or materials as directed by the teacher to allow students to participate in the instructional program.
• Assists in the implementation of the IEP as directed by the teacher for students with disabilities receiving special education services.
• Attends IEP or Service Plan meetings at the request of the principal, teacher and/or parent for a student with disabilities receiving special education services or a 504 Service Plan.
• Assists students with class routines and in transitioning from one activity or location to the next.
• Guides students in developing positive, appropriate interpersonal relationships with peers and adults.
• Supports students with emotional or behavioral concerns and assists in developing appropriate social skills.
• Assists in the management and shaping of student behavioral techniques and/or positive reinforcement strategies.
• Maintains a safe learning environment for students and staff.
• Monitors and assists students in educational and community settings.
• Assists students with ambulation, positioning, turning, and/or mobility within the school premises, class trips, and in the community.
• Assists students with use of mobility and/or weight-bearing equipment, such as leg braces, walkers, standers, and tricycles.
• Assists students with daily living skills, including feeding, grooming and dressing.
• Assists students with all aspects of toileting, which may include lifting on and off the toilet, diapering and the use of changing tables and mats.
• Assists students with tube feedings and/or changing colostomy bag when required as instructed by the teacher and/or school nurse.
• Monitors vital signs; monitors for seizure activity, and/or tube feedings under the direction of the school nurse.
• Administers First Aid and/or CPR whenever needed and/or required.
• Reports any change in daily physical condition for a student with severe medical/mobility needs or who is medically fragile.
• Ensures the student utilizes all needed/required safety/health equipment, such as a helmet, glasses, or hearing aid.
• Notifies the student's teacher of any equipment that may be damaged or in need of repair, such as a wheelchair or hearing aid.
• Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regularly-assigned teacher.

Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Pass the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Highly Qualified test.
Certificates//Licenses
• Possession of valid certificates documenting the completion of approved training courses in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated knowledge of:
o the growth, development and potential educational challenges of students with disabilities.
o the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
o the types of educational disabilities and special education programs as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Demonstrated ability to:
o illustrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards students of varied age groups, temperaments and abilities.
o behave and speak in a professional manner at all times.
o maintain a cooperative staff relationship with all personnel in the education setting.
o read, write and speak English.
o operate standard office equipment (e.g. computer, printer, fax machine, copier) including relevant software applications.
o maintain student confidentiality and handle information and materials with complete security.
o learn classroom procedures.
o be understanding, patient and receptive towards students of various age groups, temperaments and abilities.
o learn and apply behavior modification or management strategies, techniques and reinforcement methods.
o learn and utilize instructional materials, assistive technology and/or communication devices used by students.
o maintain accurate, complete and correct service logs for all students.
o lift, move and position a student up to age twenty-two who may weigh 150 pounds or more with the assistance from properly trained personnel and/or a mechanical lift.
o communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
o understand and follow oral and written instructions.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships.
o act calmly and appropriately in emergency situations.

Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Pass the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Highly Qualified test.
Certificates//Licenses
• Possession of valid certificates documenting the completion of approved training courses in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation