Instructional Assistant

Job Description:

Instructional Assistant

Description

Basic Function and Representative Duties

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of a certificated administrator, assist certificated teacher(s) in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students in an educational environment; assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans; provide routine clerical support

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects

• Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, keyboarding, duplicating and filing instructional materials; under the guidance of the classroom teacher, grade student tests and assignments and record grades; assist with maintaining student records and files as assigned

• Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework and projects; reinforce student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, positive attitude and general guidance

• Observe and redirect behavior of students in educational environment according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior

• Assist assigned teacher(s) with the implementation of lesson plans, and administration oftests as necessary

• Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer and copier

• Provide classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials

• Assist in maintaining the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures

• Attend staff meetings as assigned

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned

Knowledge and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Child guidance principles and practices

Safe practices in classroom activities

Basic subjects taught in local schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading

Basic instructional methods and techniques

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct

Operation of standard office and classroom equipment

Oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

Basic record-keeping techniques

ABILITY TO:

Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment

Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher

Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities

Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans

Read books to students and assist with reading and writing activities as assigned

Understand and follow oral and written directions

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures

Operate standard office and classroom equipment

Observe health and safety regulations

Assist with maintaining records and files

Maintain confidentiality

Education, Experience and Other Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year of experience working with children in an organized education setting

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid first aid and CPR certificates issued by authorized agency preferred

Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read and write in a designated second language.

Working Conditions and Additional Information

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom and other indoor and outdoor learning environments

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard

Hearing and speaking to exchange information

Seeing to read a variety of materials

Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling typically up to 50 pounds

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time

Bending at the waist or kneeling to assist students

HAZARDS: Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases

Potential physical hazards involved in intervening in fights and other anti-social

Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals

EXAMINATION WEIGHT:

Assessments may consist of a written, oral and/or performance examinations.

FIRST EXAMINATION: 50%

SECOND EXAMINATION: 50%

Qualified candidates will be notified of the minimum passing points for each examination part. Qualified Applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the Examinations.

OTHER: Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on the anniversary date.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

In accordance with the provisions of Sections 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, California's Fair Employment and Housing Act, Education Code Section 220, and Berkeley Unified School District Policy, no qualified person shall, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, national origin, religion, actual or perceived sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, handicap, age or sexual orientation, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity in the Berkeley Unified School District. The Board prohibits unlawful discrimination against and/or harassment of district employees and job applicants on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, at any district site and/or activity. The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testifies or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy."

If there are questions concerning Section 504 or disability accommodations for job applicants/employees under the ADA, please contact the Office of Human Resources, Berkeley Unified School District. If there are questions concerning discrimination on the basis of sex or any of the other classifications noted above, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at (510) 486-9338.

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown and increases are granted at intervals based on satisfactory service.

BENEFITS (FOR PERMANENT EMPLOYEES): Health plans provide for full coverage for employees and family in the area of medical and dental insurance to a negotiated maximum. All employees who work an average regular assignment of less than 5-1/2 hours a day (.72 FTE or less) shall be entitled to health insurance coverage and dental insurance coverage on a pro-rated basis. This position is covered by Social Security and may be eligible for California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), with joint employee and employer paid contributions. Current members of CalPERS working in other California state, county, city, and school districts can transfer retirement service credit to the District. All employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistant Program (EAP). The District also offers various optional benefits including life insurance, short term disability, Vision Service Plan (VSP), and a medical and dependent care flexible spending option.

VACATION: Regular, non-management, District employees shall accrue vacation as follows:

1-3 Years: Ten (10) working days per year until he/she has completed four (4) years of service.

4-9 Years: Fifteen (15) working days per year until he/she has completed ten (10) years of service.

10-14 Years: Twenty (20) working days per year until he/she has completed fifteen (15) years of service.

15+ Years: Twenty-five (25) working days per year.

Regular twelve (12) month employees shall accrue two (2) additional days of vacation per year at each step indicated above.

HOLIDAYS: Annual employees receive seventeen (17) paid holidays per year:

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving Holiday (3 Days)

Winter Board Holiday (3 Days)

New Year's Holiday (2 Days)

Martin Luther King's Birthday

Lincoln's Birthday

Washington's Birthday

Spring Board Holiday

Malcolm X's Birthday

Memorial Day

School Year employees may receive sixteen (16) paid holidays, including all of the above except Independence Day (4th of July).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Classified employees may also participate in professional development activities to enhance their careers.

HEALTH AND CHARACTER INVESTIGATIONS:

Candidates selected for appointment may be required to pass a medical examination given by a Commission-designated physician to determine physical fitness for District employment. The Commission may disqualify any eligible candidates on the basis of the examining physician's report. The District also conducts a fingerprinting background check for all potential candidates for hire. All convictions must be declared and explained on the application; failure to do so will automatically disqualify the application. Tuberculosis tests must be completed and a negative result must be supplied prior to beginning work.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$20.79 - $25.32 Hourly