Instructional Assistant II Citywide Autism (2022-2023 SY)

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Purpose Statement

The job of Citywide Instructional Assistant was established for the purposes of assisting in the specialized instruction of students with severe disabilities under the supervision of a licensed teacher in a special education classroom; observing and documenting student progress; implementing plans for instruction and reinforcing skills. The citywide paraprofessional will be responsible for observing and documenting student progress; implementing plans for instruction, and implementing behavioral plans as directed by the teacher.

Job Requirements:

Qualifications

• Position requires experience and/or additional training in the instruction of students with severe disabilities.
• Ability to work with other professionals in a collaborative manner.
• Formal training or certification in ABA or RBT is highly preferred.

Education

48 college credits or an AA degree, or be able to demonstrate college level skills in spelling, reading, writing and math by passing a proficiency test.

Statement of Specialized Experience

Specialized experience for this position includes experience working with learners with severe disabilities (Autism, Intellectual Disabilities) in an educational environment; implementing academic, behavioral, communication and social skill practice activities by following protocols consistently and collecting data based on criteria outlined by the teacher, related service providers or support staff; altering instruction to meet the needs of the learner or based upon feedback from the teacher or support staff; supporting learners with significant needs across a variety of settings using prompting and fading techniques to aide in student success.

Training Requirement

The Virginia Board of Education as directed by the 2012 General Assembly requires that paraprofessionals assigned to work with a teacher who has primary oversight of students with autism spectrum disorders must receive training in student behavior management within 60 days of the assignment. The Autism/ID Paraprofessional will be provided with the opportunity to participate in online instructional modules for meeting this requirement at no cost to the employee. This will be a required component of employment in the Autism/ID Paraprofessional position.

Essential Functions

• Adapt classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing an opportunity for the student to participate in classroom activities.
• Implement intervention strategies and supports (visual aides, prompting strategies, reinforcement systems, communication tools, etc.) as directed by the teacher to address student goals.
• Document student progress or behavioral observations using objective measures and record data as directed by the teacher.
• Confer with teachers on a regular basis for the purpose of assisting in evaluating student progress and/or implementing IEP goals.
• Implement academic instruction taught by a teacher for the purpose of meeting learning goals, as described by an IEP.
• Implement strategies to maximize practice opportunities for social and communication skills and emotional regulation for the purpose of short and long term independence as directed by the teacher.
• Implement behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior concerns or other special conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting special education students needs and providing a consistent environment.
• Maintain instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials) for the purpose of ensuring availability of the appropriate instructional supplies.
• Assist other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
• Assist students for the purpose of helping students with breakfast, lunch, snack, clean-up, lavatory, clothing, personal hygiene and wash-up.
• Accept feedback from teachers and related service providers to ensure accurate and consistent implementation of educational techniques or strategies.
• Communicate and collaborate to foster a positive learning environment.
• Effectively communicate with adults and students.
• Attend meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

WP

Primary Location:
Division-Wide
Salary Range:
$22,821.89 - $28,644.86 / Instructional Assistant II
Shift Type:
Full-Time