Special Services Assistant
The job of "Special Services Assistant" (SSA) is done for the purpose of assisting under supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Principal, Associate Principal and/or Director of Special Services to implement a student's IEP. The instructional staff could include a Special Education Teacher, General Education Teacher, Behavior Specialist, Occupational Therapist, Speech-Language Pathologist, School Nurse or other service provider.
Essential job functions include:
- Assisting in providing an environment in which students with exceptional needs can have access to the instructional program and available resources; assisting with implementation of instructional plans for individual students; implementation of goals in student's IEP's; assisting with implementation of Behavior Intervention Plans and keeping students focused and on task during group activities; assisting students working on individualized programs in speech development, cognitive, self-help, gross and fine motor, social-emotional, toileting and vocational skills and assisting students with the use of specialized equipment and modification of general equipment.
- Preparing lesson materials under the supervision of the teacher; maintaining and organizing students' records and files under the supervision of the teacher; maintaining individual treatment and medication records for student(s) as directed by the School Nurse or appropriate administrator and maintaining the confidentiality and security of sensitive information.
- Providing intensive support to students with special needs in the Instructional Support Program; in small groups or one-on-one in the general education or special education settings or on the playground; attending IEP meetings as needed.
- Performing necessary services required for the physical, social-emotional and academic needs of the special education student.
- Maintaining data logs regarding student's performances in various instructional and IEP objectives in order to measure student progress; assisting with instructional related activities such as correcting tests and homework, organizing and implementing planned activities with supervision; performing duties related to the student's specific disability as may be assigned.
- Monitoring safety and teaching social skills in a variety of settings including lunch, recess, field trips and the classroom; acting as a conduit between the general education and special education teacher; assisting students.
- Managing students with extreme behaviors; incorporating sensory activities under Occupational Therapist's supervision to help calm specific students or teach specific skills; assisting students with special physical needs with mobility, structural adaptation, personal hygiene requirements; providing life sustaining procedures as identified in the assigned student's IEP; providing specialized health care.
- Supporting students in general education classes by helping them access the general curriculum and implementing modifications and accommodations as specified in the IEP.
- Maintaining appropriate communication with parents via phone calls or written communication as directed by supervisor(s).
Requirements – Qualifications include experience working with children in an educational setting, preferably experience working in Special Education; experience in the care and supervision of students with special needs, autism, emotional disturbances, behavioral disorders, behavior management and non-aversive behavior management techniques highly desirable.
Skills, knowledge, and abilities required include skills to perform generalized activities such as organizing classroom materials and preparing student work areas; operates basic office equipment and familiarity with MAC and/or PC operating systems; learns specific methodology to help instruct students and is responsible for implementing instruction using methodology; knowledge to prepare lesson materials under the supervision of the teacher; abilities to learn and understand the specific physical, emotional and behavioral needs of students; learn the instructional methods and techniques used on the assigned program; supervise and maintain the trust and confidence of students in learning and recreational activities; work independently with general guidance; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the course of work; from time to time may be required to perform a different education duty as requested by the Principal, Associate Principal or Special Education Teacher and perform related duties as assigned.
Education required: High School diploma or equivalent. Must have AA degree or have passed the NCLB compliant Instructional Assistant exam; experience in working with children in an educational setting, preferably experience working in Special Education; ability to maintain cooperative and effective relationships with children and adults; some experience in the care and supervision of students with special needs, autism, emotional disturbances, behavioral disorders, behavior management and non-aversive behavior management techniques highly desirable. Licenses, certification, bonding, and/or testing required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance; current TB clearance and CPR certification.
Benefits include medical, vision & dental benefits; union representation (California School Employees Association); Employee Assistance Program; sick leave, holiday pay; small class sizes.