St. Joseph's Villa is currently recruiting for a Full-Time Instructional Assistant to join the team to serve 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of life skills counseling techniques, basic classroom procedure and appropriate intervention procedures with socially, emotionally, cognitively and developmentally challenged children ages 5 - 22. Basic academic skills necessary to effectively perform the responsibilities of the position. Able to creatively organize and implement a variety of supplemental programs for the students. Knowledge of basic first aid procedures. Knowledge of appropriate methods of physical restraint and able to implement those methods appropriately. Able to appropriately use proprietary software. Able to work

effectively in collaborative, shared leadership environment. Able to be flexible and appropriately handle stressful situations. Able to be an effective role model.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• 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.)
• Assists in developing lesson plans, objectives and methods necessary for providing effective education to students.
• Assists with treatment decisions concerning students and with follow-through on those decisions.
• Maintains appropriate discipline in the care and supervision of the students and is responsible for the development and implementation of structured activities during assigned work hours.
• Provides instruction in life skills development in coordination with other professional staff.
• Uses approved behavior management techniques to work with students in crisis.
• Provides regular input for the classroom teacher for the development of progress reports on the students.
• Assists in case management duties, including preparing progress reports on students, maintaining contact with designated family members, and coordinating community support as required.
• Assists in planning, coordinating, and implementing therapeutic recreational activities in conjunction with other staff.
• Works with individuals and groups in specific skill areas as designated by the appropriate supervisor.
• Provides, in the absence of the classroom teacher, the necessary implementation and supervision required in order to continue the established lesson plans.
• Models appropriate professional behavior and dress.
• Promotes good community relations and utilizes needed community services.
• Participates in staff meetings and other staff and program group activities, including after school and evening programs, essential for the operation of an effective psycho-educational program.
• Evaluates work processes and methods and submits recommendations for continuous quality improvement.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.