Job Title: Instructional Assistant- Level ΙΙ
Department: Education
Reports to: Education Director
Hourly: $21-23
The Instructional Assistant Level ΙΙ position provides an opportunity to take on additional responsibility within the classroom and school community. In addition to providing direct support to students, Level ΙΙ Instructional Assistants assist teachers and administrators with program implementation, staff support, training, and the development of consistent instructional and behavioral practices.
Working closely with teachers, administrators, therapists, and other professionals, the Level ΙΙ Instructional Assistant helps ensure that students receive consistent, individualized support across the school day.
The Instructional Assistant – Level ΙΙ will:
- Provide direct instructional, behavioral, physical, and personal care support to students as needed.
- Support the implementation of instructional and behavioral programs under the direction of teachers and appropriate professionals.
- Assist teachers and administrators with classroom and school-wide initiatives.
- Provide training or coaching to staff as directed by administration.
- Help prepare, organize, and implement instructional materials and activities.
- Support students with personal care and activities of daily living, including feeding, toileting, and mobility needs.
- Provide support to students individually and in small groups to reinforce instruction and promote independence.
- Support students across classroom, school, community, and vocational environments.
- Maintain accurate student activity and support documentation.
- Communicate important information regarding student needs and progress to teachers and appropriate team members.
- Assist with the orientation and support of substitute staff working with assigned students.
- Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions involving students and families.
- Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development.
- Follow school safety procedures and assist with emergency drills.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the teacher or Director of Education.
Leadership and Team Support
Level ΙΙ Assistants may provide indirect supervision and direction to staff when assigned to specific projects, programs, or responsibilities. This may include:
- Helping train and orient staff.
- Guiding established classroom or student support practices.
- Assisting with planning and coordinating assigned activities.
- Providing feedback to administration regarding staff performance and program implementation.
- Serving as a positive role model and resource for other Instructional Assistants.
Skills and Attributes for Success
Successful Level ΙΙ Instructional Assistants will demonstrate:
- Leadership – Provides positive direction and support to colleagues and helps promote a productive classroom environment.
- Communication – Communicates clearly and respectfully with students, staff, families, and other professionals.
- Teamwork – Collaborates effectively and contributes to a positive team culture.
- Judgment and Problem Solving – Uses sound judgment and seeks appropriate assistance when situations require additional support.
- Initiative – Recognizes opportunities to assist, takes appropriate action, and looks for ways to improve student and classroom support.
- Dependability – Follows through on responsibilities, meets expectations, and can be relied upon by students and staff.
- Professionalism and Ethics – Maintains confidentiality, treats others with respect, and demonstrates integrity.
- Adaptability – Responds positively to changing student needs and is willing to learn and implement new approaches.
- Safety Awareness – Follows established safety procedures and appropriately responds to student and environmental safety needs.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
- One or more years of related experience, education, or training beyond the Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
- Current Pennsylvania teaching certification preferred.
- Candidates who meet the requirements for Pennsylvania Emergency Certification may be considered.
- Proficiency with computers and common educational technology, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, internet-based resources, and educational software.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described below represent the requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
The Instructional Assistant may be required to:
- Frequently stand and walk throughout the school day.
- Sit, bend, reach, and use hands and arms as needed to support students and classroom activities.
- Assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, and activities of daily living as appropriate to the student’s needs and training.
- Communicate verbally and listen effectively throughout the school day.
- Occasionally lift or assist with moving objects or equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Work in a school environment with a moderate level of noise and frequent interaction with students and staff.
- Demonstrate sufficient close vision and ability to adjust focus to perform essential job functions.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Royer-Greaves School for the Blind is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.