Job Description:

Location:
  Simmons Middle School

Hours:
  6.75 hours per day

The job of Special Education Assistant - Resource Room is done for the purpose/s of assisting, tutoring, and training special education and other identified students in a classroom or similar learning situation; and performing classroom clerical tasks in support of the instructional process.  This job reports to the Building Principal and Director of Special Education.

General Requirements
Experience:  Job related experience is desired.
Education:    High school diploma or equivalent.   
Certificates:  48 college units, AA degree, or demonstrate college level skills by passing the Para proficiency test.
Clearances:  Employment is contingent upon a Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance, paid for by the applicant.

Essential Functions
Attends meetings as requested (e.g. inservice training, workshops, IEPs, etc.) for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying information.
Assists special education students and other identified students, under the general direction of the teacher, (e.g. reading, explain words, reading to students, arts and crafts, classroom activities, individual assignments, etc.) for the purpose of providing an opportunity for them to participate in classroom activities.
Confers with teacher/s (special education and/or mainstream teacher) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating special education student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
Instructs special education students and other identified students, one on one or in groups (e.g. math groups, providing proper examples, reading, behavioral skills, verbal skills, writing, personal hygiene, toileting, etc.) for the purpose of assisting students in making progress on their IEP goals and/or ensuring that personal needs are met.
Maintains instructional materials and/or student files/records (e.g. instructional materials, student files, checking papers, cum files, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
Monitors individual students  (e.g. field trips, classroom activities, lunch room, shadow, bus, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.
Performs record keeping and clerical functions (e.g. correcting papers, recording grades, copying, displays, bulletin boards, collects paper, distributes supplies, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher in preparing records/materials.
Records observations and incidents relating to specific students for the purpose of providing documentation and/or communicating information to appropriate personnel.
Responds to inquiries from staff (e.g. administrators, psychologists, teachers, etc.) for the purpose of providing information.
Substitutes in classroom on a temporary basis for the purpose of meetings, emergencies, etc.
Assists other personnel, as may be required, for the purpose of ensuring an efficient and effective work environment.

Job Requirements:  Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.   Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.  Specific Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age appropriate activities; subject matter taught in assigned classrooms; and stages of child development.
ABILITY is required to gather and/or collate data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans.  Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific Ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; exhibiting patience and compassion; ability to manage students with various disabilities and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others;  There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Working Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Salary Range:
  $14.15 per hour, subject to increase based on experience.  This position includes benefits.