Instructional Aide

To assist visually impaired children, who also have other severe and multiple disabilities, with classroom activities and daily living needs. Instructional Aides are expected to function and interact as members of a team and perform duties that are reflective of their training and experience.

1. Assist children in activities of daily living

a. Waking students up in the morning

b. Toileting and/or changing disposable undergarments as appropriate

c. Dressing students, including correct application of orthotic devices

d. Performing hygiene activities such as face washing, hair combing, toothbrushing, etc.

e. Assisting students at mealtimes according to each individual Mealtime Plan; or facilitating g-tube feedings for those students who require them

f. Meet individual student needs as they arise- lifting (one person, two person and mechanical), positioning, equipment, etc.

2. Assist teachers/professionals in routine activities of the classroom

a. Follow classroom schedule established by teacher

b. Assist students with completion of educational goals and objectives

c. Document student performance via basic data collection

d. Consistently follow Positive Behavior support Plans for students who have them

e. Assist with maintaining a clean and safe environment, such as wiping and disinfecting classroom surfaces, equipment and materials

f. Facilitating student arrivals and dismissals by assisting students on/off vehicles, transporting students to designated classrooms

g. To accompany and assist students in specialty classes such as swimming (i.e. getting into the pool), horticulture, art , physical education and music

3. Respond to the direction of management

a. To assist in classrooms (other than primary assignment) as needed, including aquatic therapy and swimming pool

b. Complete other assignments as requested 4. Fulfill ongoing staff development requirements as required by the School or mandated by the Department of Education

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School Diplomas or equivalent

2. Proper clearances for Acts 34, 114, and 151

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Associates Degree in Child Development or related field

Knowledge and Experience:

1. Experience working with visually impaired children who have severe and multiple disabilities

Personal Attributes:

1. Enthusiastic and positive demeanor

a. Pleasant interactive style with both staff and students

b. Energetic approach to fulfilling job requirements

2. Able to easily assimilate and retain new information and skills

a. Must be responsive to changes in individualized educational programs, mealtime plans, behavior support plans and therapeutic programs for students

3. Heightened awareness to safety across all situations

4. Receptive to receiving direction and constructive criticism

5. Reliable, dependable and prompt

a. Good attendance record

b. Ready to work at start of shift

c. Follows schedule as assigned

Work Conditions:

1. 40 hour onsite work week with opportunity for overtime work

2. No travel required

3. Bending, kneeling, stooping, and lifting on a frequent basis

4. Pushing, pulling and grasping on a regular basis

5. Lifting up to 50 pounds with the assistance of a coworker

6. Walking, both indoors and outdoors, during transport of students between classes and activities

7. Reading and comprehending educational programs

8. Completing written documentation and paperwork

9. Basic computer skills (for e-mail and reports)