Instructional Assistant - Special Education (Riverside County)
Fully Remote Riverside County, CA Special Education
Job Type
Full-time, Part-time
Description

Instructional Assistant - Special Education


Job Description

Reports To: Director or Director Designee

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Classification: Classified

Pay Range: Grade 12

Work Year: 11 Months

Location: Remote work with mandatory in-person meetings, training, and events, requiring regular commuting within Southern California.

Position Summary

The Instructional Assistant Special Education is responsible to provide academic, and/or community-based support to Special Education students according to the prescribed directions of the credentialed teacher and Case Manager; monitor and record student progress; and relieve the Education Specialist of routine record-keeping, clerical assistant duties, and instructional and related services as assigned. 


Minimum Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  

  • Paid or volunteer experience working with students in a special education academic setting is preferred.
  • Possession of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and one of the following: 1) completion of at least two years of study (minimum 48 semester hours) at an institution of higher education; 2) possession of an associate’s (or higher) degree; or 3) passing a rigorous assessment that demonstrates the knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics at a level meeting State and Federal requirements.  An associate’s degree in an educational or related field  is highly desirable.  
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred depending on assignment.
  • Hold and maintain a valid California Driver’s License; proof of automobile insurance; and full time use of a dependable automobile that is insured pursuant to California regulations.
  • State and federal background clearance (LiveScan) to work with students (Education Code Section 44237). No prospective employee can report to work without this clearance being received and Human Resources notifying the immediate supervisor of this clearance. 
  • Proof of a clear TB test dated within the last 60 days (Education Code Section 49406) upon employment and thereafter updated every four years.

General skills

  • Team player
  • Love of learning – a lifelong learner
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Open to differing views and objectives 
  • Conflict resolution skills
  • Uphold the School’s vision and mission by acting with integrity

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Supporting teachers, Education Specialist, Case Managers and students in various special education programs focusing on instructional support based on IEP services, behavior management, and clerical tasks.
  2. Assisting certified teachers in delivering instruction to students in critical skills special education programs, monitoring student progress and supporting independent student activities.
  3. Preparing instructional materials in alignment with IEP and 504 specifications, simplifying content for understanding, administering tests, and contributing to special education curriculum implementation in designated instructional areas.
  4. Provides instructional assistance to students, in a variety of educational environments, which may include public/community spaces, home settings, and/or other instructional settings; assists students in academic areas such as reading, writing, vocabulary, math, science, computer skills and other subject areas.
  5. Explains the Education Specialist’s instructions, activity directions, etc. to students as necessary; utilizes Education Specialist provided materials or selects instructional activities and techniques within a limited range consistent with the teacher’s lesson plans to meet the needs of individual students.
  6. Reinforces lesson concepts and skills using special tutorial techniques, presenting, or guiding activities, or sensory training exercises; provides additional reinforcement, and repetition, and presents to different learning styles and student abilities.
  7. Guides small group discussions to develop higher-level thinking skills; confers with the teacher regarding student performance, progress, and concerns.
  8. Prepares for daily activities by setting up work areas, displays, and exhibits.
  9. Uploads Independent Study paperwork into the student information system and maintains compliance documents under the direction of the teacher of record.
  10. Use conversation, group discussion, games, academic coaching, behavior management techniques, and other approaches to achieve prescribed goals.
  11. Monitors students in designated areas to motivate and encourage students to remain engaged and stay on task; assists students to improve self-control and social development skills following the teacher’s plan for positive behavioral support and orderly classroom management; models prosocial, respectful interactions for students; in accordance with district approved methods.
  12. Monitors students in assigned areas and in the absence of the teacher, re-enforcing safety and appropriate behavior; assists students in boarding and disembarking the bus and provides supervision while escorting students to various locations; accompanies students on field trips and/or community-based instructional activities; promotes meaningful inclusion by actively minimizing barriers during school activities with peers.
  13. Prepares/modifies instructional materials and tests; types, files, duplicates, assembles, and laminates materials as directed; maintains written and computer records of student progress for the teacher; operates a variety of office and instructional equipment as assigned.
  14. Assists in administering teacher-prepared tests/quizzes, and standardized achievement tests; corrects tests and assigned work using hard copy texts or electronic format.
  15. Carries out mandated special education reporting obligations to ensure student safety as required by law.
  16. Maintains professional competence through professional development via numerous educational activities; attends and participates in a variety of assigned meetings, conferences, trainings and/or special events as assigned.
  17. Participates in faculty committees, the sponsorship of student activities, and program-wide activities.

Bilingual 

In addition to the above duties, bilingual positions also interpret orally and translate in writing between English and a designated language; interprets for student, parent, or teacher, as required;  and may serve as interpreter and/or translator for staff in parent conferences or other meetings.

Other Duties

  • Respond to all school related written correspondence, phone calls, voicemails, and emails within 24 business hours.
  • Document and report to the school’s management all formal disciplinary actions involving students; supporting management with addressing and resolving complaints from students and parents in a timely manner; ensuring compliance with the provisions of California Penal Code Section 11166 (Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act).
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities 

This role requires a solid understanding of special education principles, including strategies for academic instruction and behavior management, as well as child development basics. They must be proficient in essential subjects like arithmetic, reading, and writing, and familiar with instructional methodologies and record-keeping. The ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, is crucial, along with skills in using technology for communication and reporting. Organizational skills, the capacity to work independently, and maintaining professional relationships are essential. The individual should be able to make informed decisions, respect confidentiality, adhere to program guidelines, and positively engage with students to support their academic and behavioral development. Team collaboration and the ability to establish a rapport with students are also key, with bilingual positions necessitating fluency in another specified language.

Use of Computer Technology

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient utilizing Microsoft Office applications, and a variety of web-based applications; have the ability to utilize the Internet to conduct research and participate in virtual meetings; and respond to a high volume of emails in a timely manner. 

Physical Demands

The role requires meeting certain physical demands to perform job functions effectively. These include auditory and verbal communication, manual dexterity, computer and machinery operation, visual acuity for reading and student observation, flexibility for bending, kneeling, or crouching, as well as the ability to sit or stand for long durations. The position involves lifting up to 25 pounds independently and, with support, managing heavier loads. Additionally, driving to student meetings is necessary. Reasonable accommodations are available to support individuals with disabilities in fulfilling these requirements.

Work Environment

This position operates in a virtual home office environment requiring a flexible schedule and the ability to travel for student support, meetings, and school events. The role involves moderate noise levels, indoor and outdoor work in varying temperatures, and the necessity for personal transportation capable of 200-mile daily travel. Reasonable accommodations are provided for those with disabilities.

Hazards

The role involves potential physical hazards from intervening in altercations and dealing with dissatisfied individuals.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  

  • Paid or volunteer experience working with students in a special education academic setting is preferred.
  • Possession of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent and one of the following: 1) completion of at least two years of study (minimum 48 semester hours) at an institution of higher education; 2) possession of an associate’s (or higher) degree; or 3) passing a rigorous assessment that demonstrates the knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics at a level meeting State and Federal requirements.  An associate’s degree in an educational or related field  is highly desirable.  
  • Bilingual English/Spanish preferred depending on assignment.
  • Hold and maintain a valid California Driver’s License; proof of automobile insurance; and full time use of a dependable automobile that is insured pursuant to California regulations.
  • State and federal background clearance (LiveScan) to work with students (Education Code Section 44237). No prospective employee can report to work without this clearance being received and Human Resources notifying the immediate supervisor of this clearance. 
  • Proof of a clear TB test dated within the last 60 days (Education Code Section 49406) upon employment and thereafter updated every four years.
Salary Description
Classified Salary Schedule, Grade 12