Instructional Aide III - Special Education

BASIC FUNCTION
Under the supervision of the principal or designee, responsible for assisting an Education Specialist or other certificated personnel to perform specialized academic instruction (SAI) for students with intensive needs, support student safety, to support a students medical and behavioral challenges to assist in the development of training and learning activities with children experiencing moderate to severe special needs in learning, communication, and/or physical disabilities or impairments; assist students in their physical and hygienic needs, which may include providing specialized physical health care services (diapering, toileting, lifting students regularly and other similar duties); perform a variety of routine clerical and supportive activities, and other related work as required. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist certificated personnel in implementing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students
• Provide SAI to students with intensive needs, individually or in small groups
• Perform a variety of classroom-related clerical work, including keyboarding, sorting, filing, record keeping, including confidential student records and medical information, and copying
• Direct students into safe learning and play activities and functions, and assist in teaching appropriate social behaviors
• Assist in the management of student behavior (including the use of data collection) using positive reinforcement strategies and other appropriate techniques
• Assist in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials geared to the instructional level of students with special needs
• Provide a variety of skill-building activities to students who experience learning challenges
• Operate and assist students in a variety of instructional aids and media, and computer-assisted instruction equipment and software programs
• Perform routine first aid, including aiding students experiencing seizures or respiratory issues
• Observe and monitor students with physical disabilities
• Maintain or assist in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment
• Assist students with their physical and hygienic needs, including specialized physical health care services (diapering, toileting, dressing, feeding, and assisted lifting)
• May administer prescribed medication in accordance with established District procedures
• May provide one-on-one student instruction to support student learning in the general education classroom environment
• Participate in professional development opportunities offered by the department, school site, and District that are held during employees work hours and work year
• May participate in professional development opportunities outside employees work hours and work year
• Performs related duties as assigned

JOB REQUIREMENTS QUALIFICATIONS
Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required:
Skill to :

• Perform routine clerical tasks and operate a variety of educational and office-related equipment
• Perform instructional tasks and provide assistance in areas such as reading, language, mathematics, and independent living skills
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form
• Handle difficult situations using good judgment
• Prioritize and identify needs and solve problems independently as appropriate

Knowledge of :

• Behavior management strategies and techniques
• Basic first aid techniques
• Subject matter in the areas of mathematics, writing, and reading
• Basic concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics, particularly pertaining to students with special learning and physical needs
• Equity, access, and inclusion practices as it relates to program participants

Ability to :

• Provide a safe learning environment while working with cognitively and/or physically impaired students
• Make appropriate decisions independently and quickly
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups, particularly those exhibiting specialized learning and physical needs
• Appropriately manage student behavior and guide students to more acceptable social behavior
• Learn to utilize a variety of appropriate instructional materials and procedures
• Establish and maintain cooperative, positive working relationships with students and adults
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions with minimal supervision
• Work courteously and tactfully with co-workers, students, and parents
• Promote team building and a positive work environment
• Adapt easily to work assignments, additional priorities, and new procedures
• Receive constructive criticism and modify work appropriately
• Suggest procedural improvements as appropriate
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and confidentiality in keeping the needs of customers a top priority
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions with minimal accountability controls
• Demonstrate cultural competence and responsiveness in interactions, decision-making, communication, and processes
• Efficiently use and manage time and meet deadlines

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills may qualify. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

Experience:
One year paid experience working with various age groups of children with moderate to severe needs in an educational setting preferred.

Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by training or coursework in child growth and development, instructional technology, or a closely related field, is preferred.

Licenses/Certification/Special Requirements:

• Possess and maintain current First Aid Certification
• Possess and maintain current CPR Certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Persons performing service in this position classification will be expected to perform heavy work, which involves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. If someone can do heavy work, we determine that he or she can also do medium work, light work, and sedentary work. (Per the Code of Federal Regulations Section 404.1567 Physical Exertion Requirements) The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects of this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions.

• This type of work involves walking, standing, stooping, running, bending, and stretching for approximately 75% of the day
• Occasionally, reach overheard or over shoulder
• Perceiving the nature of sound, near and far visual acuity, depth perception, imparting oral information, the manual dexterity to operate related equipment, and manipulate various materials and objects are important aspects of this job
• Function effectively in the classroom and outside play environments, engaged in work of a moderately active nature
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time (greater than one hour)
• Bend down at the childs level to assist with changing clothes when needed
• Sit on the floor and assist children during rest time.
• Requires the ability to grasp, reach, push, pull, and move lightweight teaching aids and supplies
• Sufficient arm, hand, and finger dexterity to use a computer keyboard, multimedia, and other office equipment
• Engage in playful activities with children (pushing on swings, sitting on the floor to play in classroom centers, or assisting children while learning or riding tricycles)
• Sufficient hearing and speaking skills to project voice and communicate with staff and children in classroom settings and one-on-one conversations
• Visual acuity to read printed materials and computer screens, observe children perform assignments, and observe moving objects and events

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job EMERGENCY REQUIREMENTS Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisor or by law.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS :

An employment application and job description can be obtained either ONLINE at or at the District Office. If you need assistance, please call Daniel Palma, Human Resources Specialist at ..., ext. 31377.

• Permanent employees, who work in this classification and are interested in one of the current openings, may submit a Request to Transfer Form with the Division of Human Resources. Human Resources must receive the transfer request prior to the application deadline.

• When completing the work experience information on the application, please refer to the job requirements and qualifications, listed on the job description (a complete job description can be found on the website: www.wvusd.org or at the District Office.). Describe in detail the job duties and responsibilities from ALL RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE which will QUALIFY you for this position.

• Qualified applicants, who meet the minimum qualifications, will participate in a written examination and technical oral interview, which will demonstrate the required knowledge and skill for this classification. The weight percentage of the examination and interview will be 50/50. Those applicants who receive a passing score on the written exam and oral interview will be placed on an Eligibility List. The top three ranks of candidates on the Eligibility List, who are ready, willing and able to accept the position, will be invited to the Final Selection Interview with the hiring authority.

• The eligibility list will be certified for a period of six months. It will be used to fill current substitute and future permanent openings.

REVIEW JOB DESCRIPTION : It is the responsibility of the applicant to review this classifications job description, which is available online at www.wvusd.org or at the District Office. The job description explains in detail the physical demands, skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the essential job functions for this position.

BENEFITS : Permanent employees will receive paid holidays, sick leave, vacation and longevity benefits per contract or Commission Rules. The District offers a comprehensive package of insurance benefits. Employees working less than full-time, but a minimum of four hours will contribute an amount proportionate to the number of assigned work hours for major medical insurance benefits. The District does not offer a package of insurance benefits to employees working less than four hours per day. The District provides life insurance for employees who work a minimum of 3 hours. In addition, the District offers a retirement plan which uses joint employee and employer contributions.

ACCOMMODATIONS : Individuals with legally defined disabilities may request reasonable accommodation in the examination process. To make this request; please contact the Division of Human Resources at the time the application is submitted. Candidates may be required to provide documentation supporting the need for the accommodation.

VETERAN PREFERENCE (for entry-level positions only) : Veterans who have been honorably discharged after 30 days or more of service during time of war or national emergency will receive an additional 5 points which will be added to the passing score. Disabled veterans receive 10 points. Any applicant who claims veterans credit must submit DD Form 214 at the time the employment application is submitted. Failure to submit DD Form 214 at the time of application shall result in no veterans credits being considered or added to any passing score.

PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT THE FOLLOWING MUST BE COMPLETED:

Per Board Policy 4112.4/4212.4/4312.4, the cost of pre-employment examinations shall be paid by the applicant.

Fingerprinting: Employees will be charged for processing their fingerprints at the time they are hired. The fingerprints are used to complete a confidential background investigation. All candidates with a record of convictions must indicate such on the confidential data form, which is attached to the job application. A record of conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment, but failure to list all convictions may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Physical Examination: Newly hired employees must pass a qualifying Medical examination given by a District-appointed physician, which includes testing for illegal controlled substances.

Tuberculosis Exam: Newly hired employees must submit a Mantoux Skin screening and certificate of completion within the past 60 days that indicates freedom from active tuberculosis.

Immigration Reform and Control Act Of 1986: An Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) will be required along with the supporting documents listed on the I-9 form.

We are an equal opportunity and non-discriminatory employer as mandated by Section 504 of the Office of Civil Rights.