Special Needs Assistant

DEFINITION: Under general supervision of an administrator, prepares educational materials and performs a variety of activities in a special education program or in a regular program working with students with disabilities and/or other special needs. Under supervision and training of a medical professional performs specific medical procedures in accordance to the law; and does other related work as required. ESSENTIAL DUTIES, MAY INCLUDE: •Gives demonstrations using special skills in working with disabled students. •Records specific academic and medical needs of students. •Attends and participates in IEP meetings, parent meetings, specialized in-service training sessions and district sponsored special education meetings. •Assists students with medical emergencies, including seizures, orthopedic distress, pulmonary conditions, catheterization, etc. •Observes student’s behavior to avoid injury to themselves or others. •Attends to the personal needs of students and supervises them on the playground and field trips. •Keeps routine records and checks student work. •Assists in the management and shaping of student behavior through use of positive reinforcement strategies. •Provides support to substitute teachers and consults with teachers about the special needs of disabled students. •Participates in parent conferences and makes home visits when appropriate. •Assists student with dressing needs and occasional changes of clothing, body hygiene, diapering, if needed and toileting. •Assists in transferring students from floor to chair and chair to floor and to wheelchair, as required. •Tutors individuals and makes routine decision using initiative and judgment. •Performs specific medical procedures with identified students under the supervision and training of a nurse. •Needs to monitor food and/or monitor student eating. •Notifies special education office in the event of student non-attendance. •Monitors and assists students with special learning needs in drill, practice, and study activities as a follow-up to the presentation of instructional lessons by instructional personnel. •Operates and assists students in the operation of a variety of instructional aids and media, and computer assisted instruction equipment and software programs. •May administer medication in accordance with specific medical instruction. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: Principles, methods, and practices of first aid and routine emergency treat¬ment; Standard policies and procedures pertaining to student health services; Equipment, supplies, and terminology commonly associated with a student health facility; Emergency service agencies within the close proximity of the assigned school site; Record management, storage, and retrieval systems and procedures; Behavior management strategies and techniques relating to pupils experiencing a typical control problems. Ability to: Work with specific disabling conditions. Perform clerical tasks and operate standard office machines. Work with a minimum of supervision. Communicate effectively in oral and written form in English and a second language if required by the assignment; Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups, particularly those exhibiting specialized needs; Perform specific medical procedures based on student needs; Establish and maintain effective work relationships with other staff members. EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be: Experience: Successful experience working with children in an educational and/or health services setting. Knowledge and experience of child growth, development and behavior strategies. Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, preferably with coursework or training in special services for disabled students, office procedures, medical procedures, or closely related fields. Certificate Requirement: Possession of a valid and current First Aid Certificate and CPR certificate, desired.