Instructional Assistant, ORAL RDSPD

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist the teacher in the preparation and management of classroom activities and administrative requirements; work under the supervision of an RDSPD-certified teacher. Assist the RDSPD teacher in performing his / her tasks properly to ensure students can practice communication confidently and effectively across the curriculum.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or equivalent required

Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours required

Paraprofessional Certification, preferred (required upon employment)

Sign Language skills or Signing Exact English (intermediate or higher), preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of hearing aids, auditory trainers, Knowledge of audiograms, and interpretation

Able to identify/troubleshoot audiological equipment failure. Able to communicate effectively using language acquisition techniques for students who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately; ability and sensitivity in working with children; knowledge of general office equipment, technology

Experience:

Experience in working with children preferred

Experience in working with individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing preferred

Days: 187

Hourly Pay Range:

Minimum: $15.30

Maximum: $21.34

Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined indvidually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Perform scheduled listening checks for the students with cochlear implants and hearing aids.

2. Troubleshoot FM systems as needed, monitor classroom equipment, and replace malfunctioning components as needed.

3. Assist in supervising students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom.

4. Work with individual students or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.

5. Assist with behavior management, toileting, and/or medical needs of students when necessary.

6. Monitor students to and from buses, in the cafeteria, in inclusion classrooms, and to and from activities.

7. Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.

8. Keep the teacher informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.

9. Maintain the same high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students as is expected of a fully licensed teacher.

10. Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations and state and local board policy.

11. Participate in in-service training programs, as assigned.

12. Maintain discretion and confidentiality.

13. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

14. Perform other duties assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, copiers, multimedia equipment, and other office or classroom machines

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Occasional supervision of students outside the building; exposure to varied weather conditions; occasional lifting and/or moving up to 45 pounds and over; ability to provide for sanitation needs and student hygiene required; assist in the restraining of students in crisis situations