Job Abstract

SANTA ANA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT-SEVERELY DISABLED BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of the Principal, assist teachers in providing educational and child development activities to severely developmentally disabled students 0 months to 21 years of age in a classroom or special learning center. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Assist teacher in monitoring and following through with students' individualized educational plans. E Tutor individual or small groups of students; supervise students for short periods during teacher's absence. E Assist in development of communication skills for children who experience language disorders. E Promote appropriate behavior according to capabilities, class and school plan. E Attend to minor first aid needs including seizures; assist students with tube feeding and suctioning procedures; administer medications as authorized; assist with a variety of medical emergencies. E Supervise students at lunch; provide nutrition and self-feeding instruction; assist in feeding as necessary; supervise students on playground, school grounds and bus area; promote safety and proper social behaviors. E Provide training in learning cooperation and socialization through play activities and field trips into the community. E Supervise students entering and leaving buses. E Accommodate physical disabilities of students; assist students in and out of wheelchairs, onto changing tables and with special equipment as necessary. E Prepare and duplicate instructional materials as necessary; operate audio visual machines as needed. E Maintain records of educational progress of students, attendance and lunch count as required. E Prepare, operate and maintain instructional and therapeutic equipment, such as voice synthesizer, electronic feeders, Hoyes lifts and Mullholland standers. E Assist in maintaining work area or classroom in a clean, orderly and healthful condition. E Assist the teacher with student testing, grading and evaluation of instructional modes. E REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (CONTINUED) Assist the teacher with students who may exhibit angry, disruptive and/or violent behavior, utilizing appropriate techniques to control and modify behavior, according to District expectations and State requirements. E Assist in elimination training in self-credeing; provide care of ileostomy and colostomy appliances and catheters; may be required to diaper and toilet train students. E Under the supervision of the school nurse, catheterize, tube feed and provide assistance with breathing procedures. Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Basic concepts of child growth and development. Oral and written communication skills. Correct English usage, grammar and punctuation. Principles of child guidance. Behaviors and special problems of severely disabled students. ABILITY TO: Physically demonstrate instruction in sensory motor activities. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Work cooperatively with others. Communicate effectively with others. Lift immobilized students. Maintain records and prepare reports. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Administer first aid and use first aid procedures properly. Learning to operate school machines and equipment. Maintain records and perform routine clerical duties. Perform the essential functions of the job. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and some experience working with children in an educational or therapy setting or course work in the instructional aide and special child area. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid American Red Cross Standard First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain Certificate within six weeks of employment (at employee expense and not on work time). Valid CPR certificate. Must be willing to diaper and provide toilet assistance to students of all ages. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Classroom or special learning environment. PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Lifting, carrying and physically manipulating students to move students in and out of wheelchairs, normally not exceeding sixty (60) pounds, without assistance. Pushing students in wheelchairs. Seeing to monitor student work and read a variety of materials. Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate instructional and medical equipment. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. HAZARDS: Contact with blood and other body fluids. Accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Board Approved: (8/94) 5/01