PLEASE NOTE: This is a split position between Thomas Fitzwater Elementary School and Sandy Run Middle School, supporting students in low-incidence special education and/or high support needs.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Educational Assistant assists the classroom teacher by (1) helping to supervise and accompany the assigned student(s) during activities within and outside the classroom, (2) aiding the teacher by working with the students in small groups or on an individual basis in various instructional and learning activities and (3) providing information regarding the students’ academic and behavioral performance to the teacher, parents, and IEP team.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

Works under the guidance and direction of the supervising teacher and the Principal/Assistant Principal in the performance of assigned duties.
Works cooperatively with other administrators, supervisors, staff, parents and students to perform job responsibilities as outlined.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The list is intended to be illustrative rather than complete and serves to show major duties and responsibilities and does not express or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent in this position. The employee will be required to perform any other position-related duties requested by the teacher, Principal and/or Supervisor of Special Education.

Assist the teacher in maintaining student control, orderly behavior in the classroom
Helps motivate the assigned student(s); cues behaviors, refocuses the student when necessary
Assist the assigned student(s) with instructional activities planned and developed by the teacher
Assist the assigned student(s) with review of teacher assignments; repeats/simplifies teacher presented instructional; helps student(s) in seatwork activities; reviews material originally presented to the student(s) by the teacher
Ensure that certain specially designed instruction of the assigned students’ Individual Educational Plan (IEP) are implemented. These may include but are not limited to; student hygiene, referral to the School Nurse, behavior support plans, home-school communication, supervision during transition time, assignment book/book-bag checks.
Assist the classroom teacher in data collection and progress monitoring
At the direction of the classroom teacher, communicate with the students’ family, classroom teacher(s), and administration observing confidentiality of the student related issues
Accompany the assigned student(s) upon arrival, at lunch, dismissal, on field trips and to activities outside of the classroom as indicated in the assigned students’ IEP or when necessary
Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor or designee

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Educational Requirement:
- 48 college credits or
- Associate's Degree or
- PDE Credential of Competency (can be obtained by on-the-job training)
Basic computer skills required
The employee in this position could be required as part of his or her duties to engage in activities that can be charged to a Medical Assistance or other state or federal healthcare programs. Clearances as provider under such programs by both the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Federal Government is therefore an essential qualification for this position

COGNITIVE/COMMUNICATION ABILITIES:

Possess effective interpersonal skills with the ability to interface diplomatically with teachers, administrators, parents, students, support staff, co-workers and outside professional contacts
Possess effective communication, judgmental, planning and human relation skills
Handle confidential information
Meet deadlines, stay organized
Concentrate on tasks
Attend work related meetings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

To successfully perform this position, a person must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualification requirements listed above represent minimum levels of educational achievement, training, skill and/or ability necessary. As required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Maintain stamina during the workday
Use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and to talk and hear
Have specific vision abilities; to include close vision and the ability to adjust focus
Need to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as calculator, copy machine, and computer printer
Sit and occasionally be required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel and crouch
Usual lifting activity: Medium, lifting up to 50 lbs. maximum and carrying objects up to 25 lbs.
Requires occasional pushing, and climbing (these activities are an essential part of the job at random intervals)
Requires frequent bending, reaching, speaking, and standing (these activities are a usual and customary part of the job.)
Requires constant hearing, and seeing (these activities are continually occurring as part of the job)

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Current Act 34, Act 114 and Act 151 clearances
School Health Form (including physical and TB test)
PDE Form 6004 and Act 168 disclosure forms

Educational Assistant (Split TFES/SRMS)