Autistic Support Instructional Aide (multiple Openings)

AUTISTIC SUPPORT AIDE (FT) (Para-Educator)

Full-Time, 7 hours per day, 180 days per year

There are multiple vacanices for this position.

Locations are New Salem Elementary and Spring Grove Elementary Schools

PURPOSE

To support students with IEPs in the special education and general education environments. Assist the special education and general education teachers in implementation of IEPs. Assist students with IEPs in accessing the general education.

QUALIFICATIONS

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Under Pennsylvania Code (22 Pa. Code §14.105) and federal guidelines (ESSA/IDEA), instructional paraprofessionals must meet specific qualification standards Hold an associate degree, have completed at least 48 post-secondary college credits, or possess a valid state certification within 12 months of employment.

GENERAL

• Ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Maturity and ability to deal effectively with students, staff and community.
• Self-motivated.
• Ability to work independently within the limits of assigned responsibilities.
• Receipt of current, favorable clearances including: Pennsylvania State Criminal History (Act 34), Federal Criminal History (FBI – Fingerprinting - Act 114), Pennsylvania Child Abuse (Act 151), and Sexual Misconduct and Abuse Disclosures (Act 168).

REPORTABILITY

Reportable to the classroom teacher, to the principals of the building, to the Special Education Supervisor and /or the Director of Pupil Services.

EVALUATION

Completed by the building principals/the Special Education Supervisor.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assist with planning and implementing individual and group strategies for individual student success in academic and behavioral areas.

2. Assist in maintaining up-to-date records on each child describing strategies for each child’s program.

3. Participate in the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), as appropriate.

4. Assist in working closely with the teacher to continually modify the program to meet individual student needs.

5. Assist in classroom activities such as listening to students read, monitoring work sessions, collecting and returning assignments from major subject teachers, etc.

6. Assist teacher in the evaluation of student performance.

7. Act as liaison between the general education teacher and special education teacher to provide immediate feedback relative to student performance.

8. Maintain Highly Qualified status, including 20 hours of professional development annually, as determined by Pennsylvania regulations for para-professionals working with students with an identified disability.

9. Perform such other duties as assigned by the teacher and/or principal, Special Education Supervisor, and/or Director of Pupil Services.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

Physical Demands

Occasional driving to school district offices, classrooms, regional offices

Frequent walking throughout various buildings, including climbing up and down stairs

Often sitting at desk for extended periods

Standing for limited periods of time

Moderate lifting up to 25 pounds unassisted and has potential to involve heavier lifting with additional assistance

Some carrying – up to 30 pounds

Manual dexterity to use office equipment

Sensory Abilities

Visual acuity to read correspondences, computer screen

Auditory acuity to be able to use telephones

Ability to speak clearly and distinctly

Work Environment

Generally, classroom/office setting

Temperament

Ability to work as a member of a team

Must be courteous and able to effectively communicate with students and staff

Must be cooperative, congenial and service-oriented, and promote these qualities in the department

Ability to work in an environment with frequent interruptions

Cognitive Ability

Ability to follow written and verbal directions

Ability to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision

Ability to read, write and do complex computations

Ability to use correct grammar, sentence structure and spelling

Ability to compose clear, concise sentences and paragraphs

Ability to organize classroom setting to efficiently accomplish tasks

Ability to work independently, exercise appropriate initiative, and make work-related decisions

Ability to exercise good judgment in prioritizing tasks and work efficiently on those tasks

Ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels

Note: All abilities above must be at a professional level, as expected from the required educational level of the job and the previous experience required.

Specific Skills

Ability to operate office equipment

Ability to use computer technology efficiently and learn new technology implemented by the District

Must recognize and appropriately handle confidential information

Ability to perform tasks as assigned

Comments

Position holder must have a friendly, helpful, caring personality

The position specification described here are the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned.