REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED). (Note: minimum of 48 college credits, AA degree or passing of the ParaPro Assessment Test will be required for Title One Schools).
• One (1) to three (3) years’ experience in working with students with moderately to severe behavioral, communicative and/or intellectual needs in a school or educational setting.
• CPR/First Aid Training (completed within first year of hire if not current)
• District approved Crisis Prevention training program (completed within first year of hire)
• Registered Behavior Technician Training (completed within first year of hire)
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely in both oral and written form.
• Working knowledge of English, spelling vocabulary, and mathematics.
• Willingness to participate in training programs or professional development designed by the principal or central office staff as it pertains to the job function.
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate of Arts Degree
• College level coursework related to child development
• Previous experience working with children in an educational setting
• Experience working with students with disabilities
• Bilingual-Spanish
• Knowledge of American Sign Language.
• Knowledge of child development and instructional strategies.
• Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation and on the telephone and in addressing groups.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to sit and stand in a classroom setting.
• Ability to reach with hands and arms.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to grasp, handle, manipulate, and/or feel objects and use classroom/office technology.
• Sufficient mobility to move about the work area.
• Sufficient vision to read and comprehend printed materials, see distant objects with clarity, and identify and distinguish objects.
• Sufficient hearing to hear and comprehend conversations in person and on the telephone, as well as distinguish sounds up to twenty (20) feet.
• Occasionally climb or balance.
• Frequently stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Frequently lifting fifty (50) pounds.

ROLE

Under the general direction of one or more certified classroom teachers and/or school administrator(s),Special Education Instructional Assistants for Specialized Programs monitor, assist, and provide support for students with special needs to implement the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students that participate in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Specialized Programs (Expressions, Learning for Life, Pyramid, Rock Creek). Assistance to the student(s) may include extensive physical and/or personal care support. All duties/responsibilities are performed under the direction of a special education teacher. The ability to lift may be required based on student needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reporting directly to the Classroom Teacher/Administrator, the Special Education Instructional Assistant performs the following duties:

• Supports students under the direction of a Certificated FCPS staff.
• Communicates and documents student progress.
• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by student(s) as directed.
• Facilitates student progress toward independence.
• Monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities.
• Assists student(s) with routine physical and/or personal care not required to be performed by a nurse.
• Monitors and assists students in meeting IEP goals and objectives.
• Carries out emergency action and/or health care plans for designated student(s).
• Assists students with classroom accessibility.
• Prioritizes work assignments appropriately.
• Completes appropriate amount of work in an efficient manner; seeks out additional assignments as time permits.
• Demonstrates support for the organization and its goals; accepts constructive criticism.
• Reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary and mathematics.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Participate in professional development trainings.
• Assists with administering, scoring, and recording of assessments.
• May participate in crisis intervention techniques.
• Assist with physically aggressive behaviors as needed.
• Assist in student mobility, moving wheelchairs, operating lifting devices and assisting students with self-care needs.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Supports the delivery of education and services to students with moderately to severe behavioral needs.
• Assists in the delivery of education and services to students with moderately to severe communication needs.
• Supports in the delivery of education and services to students with moderately to severe intellectual needs.

Other Functions

• Attends IEP team meetings and staff meetings as directed and/or scheduled.
• Provides weekly classroom coverage for teachers attending IEP team meetings.
• Provides general clerical support for the special education program, including typing, filing, making phone calls, scheduling, classroom preparation, and other similar tasks.