What are the responsibilities and job description for the Elementary Instructional Assistant position at The Hebrew Academy?

The Hebrew Academy: Teaching Assistant – Primary Grades

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the daily direction of a certificated Teacher, administers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) tutoring to students in class to assist children in acquiring learning and social skills that support students’ ability to learn and collaborate at their best.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Conduct specific behavioral therapy with certain student(s) and report outcomes to supervisor, with understanding that strict confidentiality must be maintained at all times;

Collect data, prepare summary, and record anecdotal therapy notes;

Build, maintain and organize student program notebooks;

Participate in training sessions as provided by District/West Orange County Consortium for Special Education (WOCCSE);

Implement ABA needs of any students who have an IEP or 504 Plan, and implement program modifications as directed;

Oversee students during class, tutoring, playground, eating activities, during fire and earthquake emergencies and preparedness drills;

Assist in transferring children to and from buses, lunch area, classrooms, playground and events;

Assist and supervise in the social-emotional interactions of all children during class, recess, PE and lunch times;

Maintain awareness of needs of children in your class and under your supervision;

Attend required first aid training and administer first aid as necessary;

Attend clinics, administer drills, conduct specific behavioral therapy, review data with supervisor, report concerns;

Provide demonstration and instruction to less experienced aides through modeling and/or shadowing techniques (a skill taught in training);

Prepare materials to use in support of students’ behavioral needs;

Assist in maintaining a disciplined, neat, orderly and attractive learning environment;

Some positions may be required to travel to various sites including student homes to deliver services;

Perform other duties as required to accomplish the objectives of the position.

SUPERVISION:

General supervision is received from the Principal or designee. Daily direction is provided by a certificated Teacher and/or Program Specialist.

Supervision is not exercised over other employees. However, leadership and/or guidance may be provided to Instructional Assistants as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

General needs and behavior of children;

Unique needs of students with learning challenges or who are GATE-qualified;

Take assigned training including: methods, practices and terminology used in applied behavior analysis;

Record keeping systems and methods;

Modern office equipment and procedures including operation of personal computers and word processing software.

Ability to:

Successfully complete ABA/DTT training;

Effectively use behavior management techniques;

Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with adults and children using tact patience and courtesy;

Apply skills, knowledge and abilities in classroom and general school environment;

Operate a variety of modern office equipment, including personal computers and word processing software;

Communicate constructively with students, parents and staff;

Maintain confidentiality in all communications, including with parents, staff and students;

Determine and retain privileged communications;

Be dependable and punctual;

Maintain accurate records and schedules;

Use time effectively and efficiently;

Effectively manage and communicate student behavior;

Follow directions of supervisor and/or Program Specialist.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Education:

Graduation from high school or equivalent;

Experience:

Some previous experience working with children is preferred. Most important; however, is the ability to communicate well and patiently work with children and adults.

LICENSE REQUIRED:

Some positions may require possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND HAZARDS:

Requires frequent standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling; occasionally runs after eloping students, climbs stools or step ladders and reaches over head.

Performs heavy work with frequent lifting, carrying, pushing objects/students weighing up to 50 pounds.

Uses fingers on both hands; frequently twists wrists/hands when manipulating materials. Requires rapid mental and muscular coordination.

Visual acuity sufficient to see and observe student activities and behavior; speech and

vocal capacity sufficient to be heard by students in a noisy environment; hearing sufficient to be able to know when a student is having difficulty or is being disruptive.

The working environment is both in and out-of-doors exposed to sunlight, wind and weather elements found in a Southern California beach community.

Has hands in soapy water and wears latex/vinyl gloves; may be exposed to minor and on occasion to severe contagions including blood borne pathogens and illnesses; has direct contact with students, staff and the public, occasionally in difficult interpersonal situations.