Position:          Educational Assistant – Special Education - Life Skills

Supervisor:      Teacher/Principal

Contract Days:  181

Qualifications:

1. High School diploma or GED. Additional education and/or training desirable.
2. Possess or qualify for a New Mexico Educational Assistant License.

General Job Description:

Assists a teacher in providing instructional and behavioral support to cognitively and behaviorally challenged students in Special Education programs; monitors and redirects student progress regarding inappropriate behaviors and performance; supports acquisition of appropriate skills and behaviors; assists in meeting special needs which may include feeding and toileting students; performs a variety of responsible and specialized tasks in the physical care and classroom instruction of students with disabilities; assists students with disabilities in meeting the physical requirements of attending school; performs a variety of clerical duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supports instruction to individuals or small groups of students with special needs as assigned.
• Assists students in prescribed learning activities.
• Monitors student conduct and utilizes approved behavior management techniques to redirect and modify inappropriate behaviors.
• Implements documented therapy plans for ancillary support.
• Monitors, observes and reports academic/behavioral data of students according to approved procedures.
• Assists students by providing appropriate modeling, emotional support, a friendly attitude, and general guidance.
• Communicates with teachers and assigned staff regarding student progress.
• Assists students upon arrival and departure at school and throughout the school day by repositioning in wheel chairs or other necessary equipment.
• Assists students with washing, eating, toileting, and other personal care needs.
• Assists students in learning proper personal hygiene and in developing self-sufficiency.
• Provides basic emergency care as needed, basic first-aid until medical assistance arrives.
• Maintains equipment, instructional materials and utensils.
• Communicates students' needs to the teacher.
• Assist teacher in supervision of assigned students in physical and instructional activities.
• Performs related tasks as required.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Work under supervision of certified teacher(s), prepare for classroom activities.
2. Work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
3. Assist individual children in need of special attention, i.e., diaper changing, toileting.
4. Guide independent study, enrichment and/or remedial work setup by the teacher(s).
5. Assist small groups of students in all school settings as needed.
6. Participate in in-service training programs.
7. Contribute to the welfare and effectiveness of the classroom(s), the school, and the District by adhering to high standards of performance and interpersonal relationships.
8. Model acceptable social skills in working with students, teachers, parents and supervisors.
9. Report unsafe of dangerous surfaces and/or conditions in hallways, restrooms, playgrounds, entrances, and classrooms.
10. Respond to the unique needs of the special education student.
11. Complete duties (playground, hall, bus, etc.) as assigned.
12. Other tasks as may be deemed appropriate and necessary by the immediate supervisor, the principal and/or the superintendent.

Knowledge Of:

1. Personal needs and behavior characteristics of children with specific disabilities, such as those for students within the Autism spectrum.
2. Instructional accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities.
3. Correct English usage, grammar, and spelling.
4. Oral and written communication skills.
5. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
6. Classroom procedures and rules of conduct.
7. Basic emergency, first aid, and health care techniques.

Physical Requirements:

        Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds), reaching, squatting, kneeling, and moving light furniture may be required.

Safety and Health:

Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions.

Work Environment:

            Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality.  Interruptions of work are routine.  Flexibility and patience are required.  Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignment.