What are the responsibilities and job description for the CCMS MSD Instructional Assistant position at Caldwell County Schools?
Position Overview We are seeking a patient, compassionate, and physically active Paraprofessional to join our Special Education team at CCMS. In this vital role, you will provide essential support to the classroom teacher to ensure the academic, behavioral, and personal success of students with moderate-to-severe disabilities. The ideal candidate is dedicated to fostering independence, dignity, and learning within a supportive, inclusive classroom environment.
Key Responsibilities
Instructional Support
- IEP Implementation: Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) under the direct supervision of the teacher.
- Material Adaptation: Modify and adapt classroom materials, assistive technology, and communication boards to meet the individual learning needs of students.
- Small Group Support: Facilitate small group activities and one-on-one instruction to reinforce lesson objectives.
- Data Collection: Accurately track student progress on academic, social, and behavioral goals to assist in reporting.
Behavioral and Social Support
- Behavioral Interventions: Implement classroom-wide and individual Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) consistently and effectively.
- De-escalation: Utilize approved crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe learning environment.
- Social Skills: Model and facilitate appropriate social interactions during classroom activities, lunch, recess, and school transitions.
Personal Care and Life Skills
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Provide compassionate assistance with hygiene, toileting, changing (if applicable), and feeding, while prioritizing student dignity and independence.
- Mobility Assistance: Assist students with physical disabilities in moving throughout the school, utilizing mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs, walkers, gait trainers) safely.
- Equipment Maintenance: Assist with the setup, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting of sensory and adaptive equipment.
Professionalism and Collaboration
- Communication: Maintain professional communication with teachers, parents, therapists (OT/PT/SLP), and administrators.
- Safety: Ensure the safety of students at all times, including during arrival, dismissal, and emergency drills.
- Reliability: Demonstrate consistent, predictable attendance and punctuality.
Confidentiality and Privacy
In this role, you will work closely with sensitive medical, behavioral, and academic information. Strict adherence to student privacy is a mandatory requirement. You must uphold the highest standards of confidentiality regarding all student records, in full compliance with federal laws, including FERPA. Discretion is required to protect the privacy and dignity of our students at all times.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; must have 48 college hours or pass the Kentucky State Paraeducator Exam.
- Experience: Previous experience working with children with special needs or in a clinical/caregiving setting is strongly preferred.
- Certifications: Must be willing to obtain or maintain Safe Crisis Management (SCM) certification.
- Physical Stamina: The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and the ability to lift/transfer students weighing up to 50 lbs.
Work Schedule
- Hours: 7.5 hours per day; 7:20 - 2:50.
- Days: Monday through Friday, following the academic school calendar.