Under the direction of Student Services, the Instructional Aide provides ongoing support to students with disabilities. Students with disabilities include any students who receive a specialized educational program under state or federal law and any students receiving special intervention due to an identifed educational need. The aide can be assigned to support an individual student, a group of students, a general education classroom, a special education classroom or any combination of these assignments as student and program needs dictate. The specific assignment will be determined by the Director of Student Services based upon the changing needs of the students and the programs.

This is an ongoing position at Lower Merion High School beginning immediately.

Salary is $37,301.  Salary and benefits consistent with LMEA agreement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist students in locating, selecting and organizing materials in preparation for classwork and/or homework, completing work, studying for assessments, and remaining focused and engaged in a variety of school settings
• Assist teachers in monitoring student progress by collecting specific teacher-requested data(for example: counting the number of responses to a prompt) as needed.
• Assist students in daily care activities (for example: toileting, dressing, changing) as needed
• Assist students in transport 
• Assist teachers and staff in physical transports or holds if needed.
• Assist teachers in daily data collection and log reporting.
• Complete a total of 20 hours of approved staff development activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Knowledge of best practices in services for special needs students
• Ability to support students with disabilities in a classroom setting or other setting that supports an educational or school related activity 
• Knowledge of when and how to intervene when the student is not meeting the expectations of the teacher
• Ability to use established format to track and monitor student progress under the direction of the teacher
• Ability to interact effectively with special educators, administrators, parents and students
• Flexibility and ability to respond quickly and appropriately when circumstances warrant to protect safety and welfare of student
• Ability to provide support to student to implement individual educational program.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Listen to others respectfully; Keep emotions under control; Remain open to ideas of others
• Listen and get clarification; Respond well to questions/requests
• Contribute to building a positive team spirit
• Treat people with respect; Show respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Promote acivil, harassment-free environment.
• Uphold organizational values; demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior.
• Follow Board policies and district procedures; maintain confidentiality
• Prioritize and plan work activities; Use time efficiently; Plan for additional resources; Develop realistic action plans; Make timely decisions; Complete administrative tasks correctly and on time
• Accept responsibility for own actions; Follow through on commitments.
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; Look for ways to improve and promote quality;
• Apply feedback to improve performance; Monitor own work to ensure quality.
• Observe safety and security procedures.
• Adapt to changes in the work environment; Manage competing demands; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Consistent attendance and punctuality
• Perform other related duties as assigned by Special Education Teacher or School Administrator

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's Degree required (60 or more relevant college credits may be considered in lieu of Associate's Degree)
• Bachelor's Degree in Education, Psychology or related field strongly preferred
• Experience in a classroom setting preferred
• Teacher certification preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, faculty, administrators
• Ability to track and monitor student progress using prescribed process
• Ability to build positive, mentoring relationship with students to enhance student progress
• Ability to follow specific directions consistently and completely
• Ability to act as an appropriate role model for students

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position may be physically demanding to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Expect to be able to move and/or lift up to 50lbs and complete other physical demands that may required depending on the disability.

The District strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race; color; creed; religion; sex; age; national origin; ethnicity; marital status; sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity; honorably discharged veteran or military status; the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability; or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability. Please contact Kyra Gordon for accommodation requests at gordonk@lmsd.org.