This position works under the direction and supervision of the classroom teacher in the assigned school serving children with a variety of special needs. Working in a collaborative, team-based model, and using a systems approach within the psycho-education model, the Instructional Assistant works with Special Education Teacher to design and implement lesson and behavioral plans. Assumes responsibility for classroom in Special Education Teacher’s absence.

All work is performed safely, effectively, to the highest ethical standards, and in accordance with regulatory and accrediting standards and St. Joseph’s Villa’s mission, values, and guiding principles.

Maintains sight and sound supervision of clients.

Maintains acceptable, appropriate, and helpful student interaction in the daily activities of the designated student environment (classroom, play areas, field trips, etc.)

Actively attends treatment teams and implements academic and treatment plans.

Participates in staff meetings and other staff or program group activities, including evening programs, essential for the operation of an effective program.

Assists in planning, coordinating, and implementing therapeutic recreational activities in conjunction with other staff.

Assists with administering and updating academic, vocational and functional assessments (e.g. VB-MAPP, ABLLS, Vineland, CALS, T-TAP)

Collects academic and behavior data and assists in ongoing student assessment

With the assistance of the classroom Teacher, Instructional Assistants will ensure that all daily home logs are written and placed in each student’s book bag.

Ensures that student’s work area is organized and prepared for the next day.

Performs weekly cleaning and organizing of the Academy’s environment as assigned.

Uses approved behavior management techniques to work with students in crisis.

Ensures that incident reports are written as needed.

Provides regular input for the classroom teacher for the development of progress reports on the students.

Provides verbal and written feedback to staff regarding program implementation.

Provides peer mentoring for all new staff.

Models appropriate professional behavior and dress.

Promotes good community relations and utilizes needed community services.

Evaluates work processes and methods and submits recommendations for continuous quality improvement.

Assists students with personal care and personal hygiene as needed, including providing assistance with feeding, toileting, washing, and diapering.  May feed students via feeding tube.

Attends scheduled training programs for professional development that includes, at a minimum, trainings required by St. Joseph’s Villa and by regulatory and accrediting bodies.

May voluntarily support student athletics, arts, and/or other extracurricular activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

BS/BA degree in education or a related field with at least one-year experience with a similar population. At least 4 years of experience in school setting with similar population can be used in lieu of degree. Experience with Windows, Outlook, internet access and MS Word. Experience with proprietary software preferred. Valid VA driver’s license with excellent driving record.