Special Education Instructional Assistant

Niles Community SchoolsSpecial Education Instructional Assistant2/2/26Full-time position for the 25-26 school yearReports to: Northside Principal and Special Education Administrator (or designee)Niles Community Schools is looking for a dynamic Special Education Instructional Assistant - Resource Room. Highly-effective communication skills and professionalism required for daily interaction with a diverse workforce, student population, building administration and community.Required Qualifications:All Instructional Assistant must meet one of the following standards to be considered highly qualified in the state of Michigan:Completed two years of college (60 hours) ORObtained an Associate's Degree or higher ORMeet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through passage of an approved formal state academic assessment in the following areas:• Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or• Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.Current State Board of Education Approved Assessments:• College Board's SAT - Score at least a 480 on evidence-based reading and writing and a 530 on math• ETS Parapro Assessment - A passing score of 460 is requiredPlease visit our website - How to Become a Qualified Instructional Assistant for additional information.Essential Duties (non-prioritized):Assist in planning and implementation of educational activities. The Individual Student Aide, as directed by the teacher, will be responsible for the supervision of the student(s) and will direct, assist, and instruct the student(s) as appropriate in a school setting, or Community Based Instruction job sites when applicableEffectively participate in meetings, committees, staffings and other required district and building activitiesSupplement instruction by assisting the teacher with individual or small groups of students on follow up activities.Manage and instruct students on appropriate behavior using positive behavior support strategies consistent with Board policy and proceduresAssist teacher in maintaining effective communication and relationships with students, parents, administrators, school personnel and agency representativesAssist students in meeting self-help, health and behavior needs including toileting and personal care needsHelps maintain instructional area, supplies, equipment and facilities in a clean/safe conditionAssists teachers and support staff in preparing materials, housekeeping, and record keeping and data collection relative to student performance, as directed by teacherParticipates in special instructional activities to meet program and student goals (e.g. loading/unloading buses, physical education, swimming, lunch & playground supervision, CBI, transitioning to adult living, fieldtrips, etc.)Understand and be aware of medical and physical needs of students and follow medical protocol as directed by a licensed healthcare providerMaintain confidentiality of student information (FERPA/HIPPA)Carry out responsibilities with little or no promptingAssist in managing student behaviorMonitor students in absence of teacherComply with Medicaid billing when applicableFollow the established District policies/procedures regarding student medical concerns, safety, student rights, emergency/disaster plansDemonstrate professional behavior in manner and appearanceWork cooperatively with all building staffDemonstrate a positive attitude toward students, parents and staffDemonstrate essential technology skillsEngage in physical management with students in order to maintain a safe environment for students and othersPromote self-esteem of studentsAssist in materials preparation using classroom and office equipmentAssist in evaluating academic and behavioral performance of studentsAssist in different work locations as directedRegular, timely and predictable attendanceOther duties as assignedOther Qualifications:Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.Professional dress is required for this position. Blue jeans, sweat pants, and camo are generally not acceptable dress for the classroom.Employment experience working with children.Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) preferred.CPR trained preferredPhysical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally be able to lift or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to maintain composure and function effectively in a noisy, fast-moving environment and assume responsibility for the safety and well-being of students in that environment. The employee engages in physical management with students in order to maintain a safe environment for students and others.