POSITION TITLE: Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant (Adaptive Curriculum

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT: Assigned school

SALARY: Salary Grade 56

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: EC Teacher

SUPERVISES: None

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday

WORK HOURS: 40

NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR: 10
POSITION PURPOSE:

The EC Teacher Assistant performs responsible human support and paraprofessional work assisting classroom teachers or other professionals to achieve instructional objectives; assisting students with disabilities with achieving established goals and with personal care and mobility. Further, the EC Teacher Assistant provides individual assistance with academics and behavioral problems and may lead small group activities as directed. The EC Teacher Assistant assists the supervising teacher with general housekeeping and clerical duties.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

* Minimum Degree Level: Associate's Degree
Minimum Experience/Requirements:

Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1) hold at least an Associate's Degree,

2) 48 semester hours of transferable college coursework, or

3) passing scores on the WorkKeys test.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in the teaching of the special education population
• General knowledge of the activities performed by the lead teacher
• General knowledge of the daily routines of the classroom
• General knowledge of student handbook rules and regulations
• General knowledge of procedures to follow in an emergency
• General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration
• General knowledge of the curriculum for the assigned grade
• Ability to maintain files and information
• Skill in the use of classroom and instructional equipment
• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students, particularly when a student is participating in an inclusive activity
• Ability to motivate students
• Ability to maintain order and discipline in a classroom
• Ability to operate an audio-visual, standard office, word, and data-processing equipment
• Ability to operate adaptive equipment
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, peers, parents, students, and administrators

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum Degree Level: Associate's Degree
• Experience working with exceptional children
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:

• If assigned as an assistant working with Emotionally Disabled students, the EC Teacher Assistant is required to become initially certified in a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) program and maintain that certification through the proper renewal process (adhering to all timelines)
• Must possess a valid driver's license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in an EC classroom/environment
• Spanish Speaking

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist classroom teacher with performing specific duties assigned or undertaking specialized tasks to achieve and enhance instructional and behavioral objectives
• Work with individuals, small groups, or large groups as assigned by the teacher
• Assist with behavior modifications as requested by the teacher
• Lift, move, and operate adaptive equipment
• Assist students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to, lavatory, clothing, hygiene, diapering, toileting, and wash-up routines
• Escort students as assigned by the teacher or administrator
• Assist students with mobility needs such as lifting and positioning students, lifting in and out of wheelchairs, loading and unloading on/off the bus, transporting students in and around the school and on field trips
• Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments to maintain a safe and positive learning environment
• Provide programmed practice activities and repetitions as developed by the teacher, therapist, or pathologist
• Report student concerns directly and expeditiously to the teacher and assist with student resolution
• Assist with breakfast, lunch, and snacks, including clean-up
• Maintain various confidential records and files
• Participate in staff development activities as directed by the Department for Exceptional Children
• Perform additional duties as requested by the teacher, principal, or District EC Staff

WORKING CONDITIONS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is considered light physical work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Employees in this position are required to work in indoor and outdoor environments and come into direct contact with OCS staff, students, and the public.