FOREST GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT SPECIAL EDUCATION

Classification: Classified

Reports to: Director of Special Education, Principal or Assistant Principal

Supervises: (no supervision of employees)

Employment: 182/184 days per year

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POSITION SUMMARY:

The job of Instructional Assistant Special Education is done for the purpose of assisting in the
supervision, care and instruction of students with high needs (moderately to severely disabled) in the
regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; observing and documenting student progress
and/or behavior; providing information to appropriate school personnel; and attending student
meetings and job related trainings.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY:

Provides direct instructional or tutorial assistance to individuals and to small groups of students in a
number of different subjects at all levels of education. Works independently a great amount of time
under the supervision of a licensed teacher.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the
purpose of providing an opportunity for all students to participate in classroom activities.

Administers first aid and prescription medications to students for the purpose of providing
emergency or necessary care in accordance with district, state and federal requirements.

Assists special education students requiring daily care (i.e. toileting, diapering, feeding, etc.) for the
purpose of providing appropriate care for all students.

Confers with teachers/specialists and participates in team meetings for the purpose of assisting in
evaluating student progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.

Documents students activities and progress (i.e. activity logs, incident reports, etc.) for the purpose
of supporting the teacher and/or administrator in providing records/materials.
 Implements academic instruction designed by a teacher for individuals or small groups for the
purpose of meeting learning goals, as described by an IEP and/or district benchmarks.

Implements behavior plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other
handicapping conditions for the purpose of assisting in meeting students needs and providing a
consistent environment.

Monitors individual students, classroom, library, playground activities, etc. for the purpose of
providing a safe and positive learning environment.

Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (i.e. in-school
after school detention, rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots,
etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the safety and welfare of students.

Performs record keeping (i.e. daily data on instruction and/or behavior) and clerical functions (i.e.
correcting papers, copying, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher and/or administrator in
providing necessary records/materials.

Provides direct instructional services to students under the supervision of a licensed staff member
(i.e. Early Bird sessions, detention, assigned students, etc.) for the purpose of implementing IEP
goals and/or remediation student deficiencies.

Provides verbal and/or written feedback of observations for the purpose of assisting licensed
personnel in evaluating students.

Responds to emergency situations (i.e. injured student, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving
immediate safety concerns.

Participates in in-service workshops and training for the purpose of receiving and/or conveying
information related to job functions.

Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of
their work activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be able to use appropriate teaching methods as described by program supervisory staff.

Must demonstrate the ability to manage student behavior through the use of verbal and physical
queuing.

Must be alert to cognitive and physical handicaps (i.e. Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy) and
the capabilities of Special Needs students and react in a sensitive and helpful way to situations in the
classroom and school setting.

Must have background to assist with a wide variety of subject matter, i.e. reading, cooking, social

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Instructional Assistant Special Education Job Description (continued)
 studies and mathematics.

Must be willing to assist students with personal maintenance, i.e. feeding, changing diapers, toilet
training and motor skills.

High School Diploma.

Two years of post-secondary study, or an Associates (or higher) degree, or a passing score on a state
or local academic assessment that measures knowledge of and the ability to assist in instructing
reading, writing and mathematics.

First Aid/CPR Certification.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Lift students to and from wheels chairs, or off floor.

Move to various locations within a classroom setting.

Assist students to and from special classes and activities.

Use computer, telephone and office equipment.

Ability to physically restrain as appropriate.

EMPLOYEE STATEMENT

I have reviewed the above position description and understand its contents.
I am aware that my position description may be revised or updated at any time and once notified of changes,
I remain responsible for knowledge of its contents.
I hereby certify that I possess the physical and mental ability to fulfill the essential functions of the above
position with or without reasonable accommodation(s). If I require accommodation(s) in order to fulfill any
or all of these functions, I agree to provide information to the District regarding the requested
accommodation(s).

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Employee Name (print) Date

_____________________________ ____________________________
Employee Signature Date

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Instructional Assistant Special Education Job Description (continued)