Teacher Assistant
Non-Exempt 10 Month Position
PURPOSE
To provide support to teachers in instruction, general supervision and management of children. Teacher Asssisants may work one-on-one with special needs students, such assistants may be required to possess additional skills and training in providing for the specific physical needs of such students.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Performs, under general supervision, a variety of technical and clerical tasks in assisting a teacher of students with disabilities.
- Performs a wide range of tasks in order to support the efforts of the teacher, meet the needs of all students, and ensure the provision of quality instruction for all students.
- Provided one-on-one assistance with academics and behavioral problems and may lead small group activities.
- Stays abreast of the following: methods of adapting instruction, equipment and tools for children with special needs; confidentiality regulations; principles of organization and administration of the school district; curriculum for the grade/age of the children with which assistant is assigned to work; child development disabilities.
- Constantly monitors the safety and wellbeing of students.
- Assists with the delivery of special services for students in need of functional life skills; assists with daily living skills (includes but is not limited to tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, changing diapers, lifting, pushing wheelchairs, use of other adapted equipment and other necessary and appropriate medical procedures under the training and supervision of the school nurse).
- Assists with therapeutic rehabilitation; prepares students for therapy and other special classes; administers the taking of medicine; monitors special diets.
- Attempts to incorporate fine motor skills, sensory stimulation, self-help skills, social skills and computer skills into classroom activities.
- Performs general housekeeping duties; sets up various equipment each morning; puts equipment away at the end of the day; washes mats, toys, equipment, etc. with appropriate cleaning supplies; performs simple repairs and maintenance related to student and school equipment.
- Accepts possible exposure to blood borne pathogens and other bodily fluids and may be required to wear personal protective equipment such as latex gloves.
NOTE: All medically related procedures will be under the training and supervision of the school nurse (R.N.).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, kneel repetitively.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to establish positive relationships with students & colleagues.
- Ability to perform under stress, deal with persons acting under stress and adapt when confronted with emergencies.
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
PREFERRED CHARACTERISTICS
- Advocate for special needs students
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associates degree or two years of college.