MUSKEGON AREA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

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JOB TITLE: Instructional Assistant - Elementary Deaf and Hard of Hearing

CLASSIFICATION: Hourly

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education, D/HH Program Coordinator & Classroom Teacher(s)

SUPERVISES: Not applicable

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
All candidates must apply online at www.muskegonisd.org/jobs/.

TERMS:

This position is a 194 total paid days position offering medical,
dental, and vision benefits. Dental, vision, and life insurance are paid by the
district at no cost to the employee. Personal business days, holidays, and sick
time paid. Retirement through the Office of Retirement Services (Pension Plus
or Defined Contribution).

SALARY RANGE:

This position is on the Centerbased IA Scale that is grant funded, $15.74
– 21.61 per hour.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTION:

Instructional Assistants work under the supervision of, and at the discretion of, classroom teacher, support staff and administration to provide a range of supportive services to special education students. These services may include assistance and instruction in self-care skills, academics, pre-vocational and vocational skills, life skills, therapeutic intervention and behavioral management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

No physical or mental restrictions that would, with reasonable accommodation, prevent performance of the essential job functions and responsibilities.
Ability to read and comprehend written program plans, instructions and other classroom essentials
Fluent, or willing to become fluent, in American Sign Language
Certified, or willing to become certified, in Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
Strong organizational skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Related or relevant experience working with students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing is preferred
Basic understanding of curriculum and instructional supports
Demonstrated ability to assist with successful implementation of student behavior plans and implement TCI student supports (including physical intervention if needed)
Evidence of skills with behavior management and supporting of challenging behaviors

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Work attendance is essential;
At the direction of the teacher, provides direct assistance and training to students in areas including, but not necessarily limited to:
1. Pre-academic and academic instruction
2. Pre-vocational and vocational instruction
3. Self-care skills
4. Life skills
5. Behavioral management
Understanding, patient, warm, and receptive attitude toward students;
Ability to assume responsibility for supervising students on an independent basis;
Ability to maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the general public while maintaining student confidentiality;
Assist in the implementation of Individualized Education Programs for the students and monitor their progress;
Provide support for individual students inside and outside the Deaf and Hard of Hearing classroom and/or General Education Classroom to enable them to fully participate;
Work with related services staff, such as speech language pathologists, school social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, etc;
Support students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills;
Assist in the making of instructional materials for the students;
Facilitates communication between users and non-users of ASL;
Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned by the classroom teacher(s), Director of Special Education & D/HH Program Coordinator

NOTABLE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Standing/Walking up to 6 hours per day

2. Sitting up to 1 hour per day

3. Lifting up to 35 pounds 2 to 3 times per hour for 7 hours

4. Fine motor skills required to do things such as write, pick up small objects, assist student with buckles and

snaps

5. Gross motor skills required to do things such as shift weight from foot to foot while balancing a load with

hands and arms, lift large objects, and lift limbs of student

6. May be required to pass a MAISD-paid physical examination and/or back x-ray before an unconditional offer of employment can be made.

TYPICAL WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Most work is accomplished in a classroom environment, at community job sites or in a community based instructional site.

EVALUATION:

Instructional Assistants are evaluated according to Board policy and the terms of the current bargained agreement.

CREDENTIALS, SPECIAL SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER EXPECTATIONS FOR THIS POSITION:

Interpersonal Skills – Strong interpersonal skills are vital to ensure effective relationships with the teacher, other team members and parents and students.

WORK LOCATION(S):

Work may be performed in any centralized special education classroom operated by the MAISD, at community-based instructional sites, or at community job placement sites.

TRAVEL/OVERTIME EXPECTATIONS:

Overtime may be occasionally required and is paid according to the applicable bargained agreement. Travel may be periodically necessary to and from instructional sites or to meetings or conferences in the area.

It is the policy of the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District that no staff member, candidate for employment, program participant, or recipient of services shall experience discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity) disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively "Protected Classes”), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. Inquiries related to issues of discrimination on the basis of disability should be directed to the Director for Special Education at (231) 767-7249. All other discrimination inquiries or requests for special accommodations to participate in a program, event, or activity should be directed to the Associate Superintendent for Human Services at (231) 767-7213.