Position Title: Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Pay Grade:  6                                              Period of Employment:  9.5 months

Description Approved/ Revised:  12/2018       FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Supervised by and/or Reports to:  Classroom Teacher, Department Supervisor; School Administrator

General Responsibilities: Assists an individual student who requires modifications and accommodations to gain access to a free and appropriate public education as directed by the classroom instructor.

Essential Duties:

(This list is intended solely as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude their addition if they are similar to or a logical extension of the position.)

• Assists with the supervision of the children both inside the classroom and outside of the classroom.
• Provides care and supervision of the student at all times.
• Escorts the student when required.
• Locates and prepares materials for daily class work.
• Supports the teacher with classroom clerical tasks.
• Provides instruction to the student under the supervision and direction of the classroom teacher.
• Observes and manages student behavior, collaborates with the teacher on behavior plans and their implementation.
• Guides students integrated into general education classes and assists general education teachers.
• Performs bus duty by assisting students on and off of the bus.
• Carries out personal care duties for the student as necessary.
• Executes duties related to specialized diets (grinding, pureeing, feeding).
• Lifts, positions, and places students in specialized adaptive equipment as trained by the physical therapist or occupational therapists.
• Uses the tenants of “Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS)” to ensure students are safe, respectful, and responsible.
• Familiarizes self and implements any medical action plans established for student safety with appropriate training from the school nurse.
• Maintains proper trainings and certifications if required to include Handle with Care and any training related to the specific needs of the child.
• Delivers emergency treatments as needed.
• Utilizes universal precautions when body fluids are present.
• Works cooperatively with substitute teachers in providing instruction and assistance with students.
• Assists or supervises any school sponsored activity during the school day regardless of location.
• Launders soiled clothing when necessary.
• Aids student during seizures or other medical incidents.
• Moves with the assigned student from building to building as the student matriculates through the school system.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of working with all students – especially those with special needs.
• Broad knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in classroom teaching and management.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to follow directions given by classroom teacher.
• Exercises patience with students and staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to monitor for student safety.
• Ability to interact with students, staff, and parents.
• Ability to work independently with students towards IEP goals under the guidance of the teacher.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to lift and assist students as needed.
• Serve as role model.

Requisite Education and Experience:

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a minimum of 60 college credit hours; or an Associate’s Degree or higher; or have successfully passed the Para Pro Assessment.
• Experience in an educational setting and/or prior teaching/instructional experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls.  Physically capable of effectively using and operating various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.

Manassas City Public Schools assures equal employment opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by federal and state orders and laws.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements.  It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.  The administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary. 

Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.