BEACHWOOD BOARD OF EDUCATION

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position:  Special Education Assistant

Reports to:  Director of Pupil Services

Employment Status:  Beachwood Union of Support Staff  (BUSS) Contract

I. Position Summary

• To deliver individualized services to students with exceptional learning needs in a wide variety of settings, including general education classrooms, resource rooms, and community-based functional learning sites, under the direction of a licensed special education professional

II. Required Education, Experience & Qualifications

• Ohio Department of Education Educational Aide Permit
• Endorsement in the area of “ESEA Qualified”
• Satisfactory completion of BCII and FBI background checks
• Training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI)
• Meet all health requirements mandated by law
• Satisfactory completion of the BCII and FBI background check
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle license

III. Job Responsibilities & Duties

• Uses strategies, equipment, materials, and technologies, as directed, to accomplish instructional objectives
• Assists in adapting instructional strategies and materials as directed
• Uses strategies as directed to facilitate effective integration into various settings
• Uses strategies to promote the learner’s independence and confidence, as directed
• Establishes and maintains rapport with the students and staff
• Uses strategies for managing behavior as directed
• Uses strategies as directed, in a variety of settings, to assist in the development of social skills.
• Follows written plans, seeking clarification, as needed
• Demonstrates basic data collection techniques, as directed
• Makes and documents observations as directed and assists in collecting and providing objective, accurate information to professionals
• Uses universal precautions and assists in maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment
• Provides personal care assistance to students, which may include toileting, feeding, or other tasks related to daily living
• Performs specific nursing-related tasks in accordance with nursing practice, as delegated by the school nurse and deemed to be safe to delegate
• Performs responsibilities in a manner consistent with laws and policies
• Demonstrates sensitivity to the diversity of individuals with disabilities and their families.
• Demonstrates commitment to assisting learners in achieving their highest potential
• Maintains a high level of competence and integrity, exercising objective and prudent judgment
• Engages in self-assessment and accepts and uses constructive feedback provided by licensed special education staff, teachers and administrators
• Seeks and willingly participates in professional development opportunities to increase knowledge and skills
• Collaborates with staff and families, fostering respect and beneficial relationships
• Assists with transportation as a bus assistant responsible for monitoring of student(s) behavior and ensuring student(s) safety
• Accompanies students to community-based work sites or field trips
• Participates as directed in conferences as members of the educational, pupil services, IEP or MFE team
• Functions in a manner that demonstrates a positive regard for the distinctions between roles and responsibilities of the paraeducators and the professionals

IV. Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knows rules and procedural safeguards regarding the management of behaviors of individuals with exceptional learning needs
• Knows characteristics of appropriate communication with students with disabilities and communicates effectively using verbal and non-verbal techniques
• Knows and follows ethical practices for confidential communication about individuals with exceptional learning needs
• Knows rights and responsibilities of families and children as they relate to individual learning needs
• Knows and utilizes basic educational terminology regarding students programs, roles, and instructional activities
• Skill in interacting with staff, students and the public with sensitivity, tact and diplomacy
• Ability to problem solve, organize effectively and react productively to interruptions and changing conditions.

V. Personal Conduct Requirements

• The employee shall exercise honesty and integrity in his/her relationships with the Board of Education and the administration
• The employee shall promote a positive image of the District through exemplary personal conduct
• The employee shall report misconduct or violations of policy or procedure following established Board policy
• The employee shall actively support the efforts of the Board of Education and the Superintendent in the pursuit of District goals and interests
• The employee shall not disrupt District operations or undermine the positions of the Board of Education and administration
• The employee shall demonstrate the ability to interact in a positive manner with staff, students and the public and promote a positive image of the district through exemplary personal conduct including but not limited to:
• The ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both orally and in writing, with tact, diplomacy and excellent grammar
• The demonstration of effective listening skills
• Remaining free of any alcohol or controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the Beachwood City School District

VI. Physical Demands

• Ability to hear and speak, read and write, sit and/or stand for extended periods of time, use hands to operate a computer and other equipment, kneel, bend at the waist, reach overhead – above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies, ability to lift, carry, push and pull items up to a maximum of fifty (50) pounds.

NOTE:  This position involves helping students with feeding and toileting activities and has exposure to blood, body fluids and tissue.

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent’s supervisor, appointing authority.

Approved: 8/4/2008                                                Resolution #08-08-268

Revised:                                                                    Resolution #