Transportation Special Ed Assistant
About the Employer
Job Summary
The job of Instructional Assistant - Special Education is done under the direct or indirect supervision of a licensed staff member and assists licensed staff by providing concentrated transportation and behavioral support to students with various disabilities on the bus to and from school; observing and documenting student progress and/or behavior; providing information to appropriate school personnel; supervising students; and attending job-related trainings.
Skills
Skills: Operate a computer, office machines, telephone, and other technology equipment. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent organization skills. Must be alert to cognitive and physical handicaps (i.e., autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy) and the capabilities of special needs students and react in a sensitive and helpful way to situations in the classroom and school setting. Skills to perform instructional activities, communicate with parents, students, staff, and community, basic arithmetic calculations, operate standard office equipment, use English in verbal and written form, use correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and perform basic clerical functions. Must have background to assist with a wide variety of subject matter (i.e., reading, social studies, mathematics).
Experience
Experience: 1-2 years of experience working with children, or an equivalent amount of education and experience preferred.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to physically interact with students who are aggressive, emotional, and/or unpredictable in their reactions. The employee may be exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but occasionally may be very loud. The work environment may be fast-paced and emotionally demanding.
General Responsibilities
Administers first aid and prescription medications to students for the purpose of providing emergency or necessary care in accordance with district, state, and federal requirements. Assists special education students requiring transportation to school. Confers with student services coordinator on student strengths and needs during transportation. Documents student incidents and progress for the purpose of adjusting supports and plans. Implements behavior plans designed by IEP team for the purpose of assisting in meeting students' needs and providing a consistent environment. Monitors individual students for the purpose of providing a safe and positive transportation environment. Provides behavioral support on district transportation using methods such as re-directing, positive reinforcement, collaborative conversations, and planning with students aligned with their individual support plan. Responds to emergency situations (i.e., injured student, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns. Participates in in-service workshops and training for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying information related to job functions and/or improving one's skills/knowledge.
Reporting and Communication Responsibilities
Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students verbally or in writing (i.e., accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel. Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities. Demonstrates professionalism and appropriate judgment in behavior, speech, and dress in a neat, clean, and appropriate professional manner for the assignment and work setting. Contributes positively to a positive work environment. Collaborates effectively with others. Maintains consistent and predictable attendance to meet the requirements of the position.
Education
Education: High school diploma or equivalent; 72 quarter hours of accredited college or equivalent education, or passing score on Work Keys test. Bachelor's degree preferred.
Knowledge
Knowledge of principles of child development, instructional processes.
Abilities
Abilities: Work harmoniously with others. Work and communicate effectively with students, parents, and school personnel from diverse cultures or backgrounds in English, Spanish, or other languages related to the job. Work independently without supervision, and with minimum oral/written instructions. Ability to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, understand and carry out oral and written instructions, maintain confidentiality of student records, meet schedules and deadlines, read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, and policies. Ability to concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations and use appropriate teaching methods as described by program supervisory staff. Ability to manage student behavior through the use of verbal and physical cueing. Significant physical abilities include lifting/reaching/handling, talking/hearing conversations, near/far visual acuity, moving to various locations within the classroom and school. Ability to perform physical management techniques on children.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Forest Grove School District is an equal opportunity employer and provides services to the public on an equal opportunity basis and does not discriminate in employment or the provision of public services on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief, citizenship or marital status. Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact the Director of Human Resources at the Forest Grove School District (503-359-2414).