Description

**This posting is intended to generate a pool of qualified applicants for any instructional assistant opportunities that may develop for the 2023-24 school year** 

Job Title: Instructional Assistant

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Employment Status: Classified

License Required:     No

Reports to: Principal

Summary

Provide assistance to the instructional staff in providing effective and productive learning situations in the classrooms.  Assist the teachers in helping students achieve knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to be productive citizens.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  

• Assist in the instruction of students to include educational technology.
• Perform clerical tasks assigned.
• Use machines to duplicate materials.
• Help the teacher put up bulletin boards.
• Supervise the children at lunch, on the playground, in physical education class, in the halls, library, computer laboratory, cafeteria, etc.
• In emergencies, serve as a substitute teacher.
• Keep records as required by the teacher.
• Maintain student information in a confidential manner.
• Provide discipline for students under the direction of the teacher and/or Principal.
• Provide emergency first aid as needed.
• Collect lunch money and other funds as directed by the teacher.
• Provide or administer prescription medication to students as directed by the school nurse.
• Secure materials and supplies from the office for teachers.
• Assist students, individually or in small groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts by reading to children, assisting children in the library, writing the dictation given by young children, helping children locate and use materials, encouraging safety habits in work and play, encouraging children to work independently and listening to children.
• Assist teachers with routine tasks such as recording attendance and other information, collecting money, gathering resource and supplementary materials, setting up and operating audiovisual equipment, fire drills, field trips, special events, clerical duties, correct student work, supervise the entire classroom when called upon to do so, attend parent/teacher meetings if needed.
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the superintendent, or designee.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow the directions of teachers in teaching and instruction of the grade level or subjects assigned.
• Familiarity with and ability to operate audio-visual equipment including overhead projectors, film, sound systems, video and other appropriate equipment.
• Ability to learn to operate computers.
• Ability to orally communicate effectively with others, with or without the use of an interpreter.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing, using the English language, with or without the use of auxiliary aids or services.
• Ability to work with and cooperate with supervisory staff at all levels.
• Ability to lift, move, carry and otherwise transport equipment and materials weighing up to 35 pounds.

Education and/or Experience

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Per the Code of Virginia § 22.1-298.3, paraprofessionals/instructional assistants who work with students with autism must complete the Virginia Department of Education’s autism competencies training within 60 days of assignment to such responsibility.
• Have qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, parents, teachers and administrators.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.  Ability to speak effectively before groups of parents or the public.

Reasoning/Other Abilities

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one-or two-step instructions.  Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables. 

Physical Demands

Work involves limited physical tasks and may involve operation of office equipment.  Above-average amount of walking, bending, standing, stooping, and lifting in a classroom environment.

Work Environment

Work involves exposure to everyday hazards.  Work is performed in a classroom and includes the operation of general office equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Evaluation

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of classified personnel.