Part-time; 5.5 hours per day; 185 paid days per school year (includes 5 paid holidays for a full school year); # of work days and paid holidays is pro-rated if hiring during school year; paid sick days

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt  

You must meet the minimum education requirements to apply for this position as follows:  48 college credit hours (semester); or associate's or high degree; or passing score on the Parapro assessment

Attach proof of minimum education to your application.

JOB DESCRIPTION

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER ASSISTANT FOR STUDENTS WITH MODERATE / SEVERE DISABILITIES 

The Teaching Assistant (TA) assists Special Education Teacher(s) in providing additional staff in a Special Education setting where students with moderate to severe disabilities receiving special education services. A priority is to support students in their development of academics, behavior, pre-vocational, transitional skills, own personal care and independence.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the special education teacher(s), TAs will assist in providing academic, social, emotional, pre-vocational, transitional and behavioral interventions to support students with disabilities. These needs may include lifting and transferring, movement and positioning, feeding, toileting, changing and diapering, and approved administration of medication/medical procedures, with appropriate training provided.

TAs will assist the special education teacher(s) in the delivery of curriculum for students, addressing and meeting the physical safety needs of student(s) (e.g. the implementation of student behavior plans, behavior shaping, prompting strategies, proximity control, restraint of student if the student is hurting him/herself or others) for the purpose of ensuring effective and safe student learning.

TAs will assist the teacher(s) with the administration of appropriate assessment tools, collecting data as directed.

TAs will assist the teacher(s) with preparation activities to meet the instructional needs of individual students and small groups, adapting classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives on a daily basis.

TAs will monitor, supervise and assist students during non-instructional periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. lunch, recess/breaks/spares, bus loading/unloading, playground, classroom, washroom, field trips, public transportation, and assemblies) maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

TAs will attend meetings, training, professional learning sessions (e.g. first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, behavior management, CPI training) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.

TAs will communicate with school staff and professional support personnel assisting in the effective implementation of the IEP and for sharing information about students and their needs.

Other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Practices and procedures of instruction for persons with Moderate to severe Autism and other developmental disabilities is an asset
• Oral and written communication skills
• Basic computer operation
• Communicate effectively in a sensitive, courteous manner with students and staff
• Use interpersonal skills: tact, patience and courtesy
• Work as a team player
• Follow directions, policies and procedures in an appropriate and timely manner
• Monitor and evaluate student progress and behavior as modelled by Sp. Ed. Teacher(s)
• Keep accurate records and submit reports in a timely manner as modelled by Sp. Ed. Teacher(s)
• Meet physical requirements necessary to perform assigned duties in a safe and effective manner for self and others
• Maintain a suitable learning environment including appropriate planning and organization of classroom or related setting and educational aids as modelled by Sp. Ed. Teacher(s)
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Understanding of and commitment to confidentiality

SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment. Standing and walking short distances frequently on a daily basis; sitting, bending, twisting, squatting, and pushing/ pulling regularly to occasionally; the special and/or general education teacher(s)  Frequent use of hands, vision, hearing, speech/ language processes; physical strength and emotional stamina sufficient to organize and coordinate a variety of activities; ability to use a variety of special educational materials and supplies, computer and teaching aids.

Some classrooms/schools may require incumbent to take special training to meet student needs.