Job Summary:  This position works under the direction of the building principal and Director of Special Education and is responsible for assisting a teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students with behavior challenges.  This position is also responsible for monitoring, redirecting and modifying student progress regarding inappropriate behaviors and performance, administering intensive behavior intervention programs to identified students, and performing a variety of clerical duties as assigned.  

Waterloo Schools is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Hiring Specifications:

Education

• High school diploma or equivalency
• NCLB compliance – 60 college credit hours, associate’s degree, generalist or specialist para educator license issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners OR successful completion of the district-approved competency test

Certification

• NCLB compliance – see above

• Current Mandt or CPI certification preferred

Experience

• Experience working with applicable age students who have behavior challenges
• Experience working with students with special needs
• De-escalation experience
• Successful experience working in an intervention setting as well as the classroom

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, de-escalation techniques

• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, behavior management techniques 

• Knowledge of intensive behavior intervention techniques

• Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities, development delays and autistic behavior

• Knowledge of basic subjects taught in district schools including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading, including punctuation and vocabulary and ability to assist with instructional and related activities in a learning environment

• Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities and health regulations

• Knowledge of basic instructional methods and techniques

• Ability to monitor and observe student behavior according to approved policies and procedures

• Knowledge of district policies, rules and regulations

• Basic recordkeeping skills

• Ability to develop rapport and interact effectively with students 

• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing

• Ability to handle emotionally charged situations

• Ability to interact and collaborate with staff, students and families in a professional manner

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Ability to work effectively, cooperatively and respectfully with staff, parents and community members regardless of race, creed, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic/national origin, religion, marital status, age, socio-economic status or disability

Technology Requirements

• Basic word processing and spreadsheet skills
• E-mail management skills

• Skill or the ability to learn the delivery and use of on-line learning programs as needed per school assignment

Supervision of Others:

• N/A

Personal Contacts:

• All district staff, students and families
• Central Rivers AEA personnel

Job Duties:

1. Assists in providing instruction to behaviorally challenged individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher.
2. Administers one-to-one intensive behavior intervention to students.
3. Actively participates in behavior intervention meetings and professional development.
4. Collects data and records anecdotal student progress notes and maintains behavioral charting data.
5. Monitors and assists students in prescribed learning activities.
6. Monitors, observes and reports behavior of students according to approved procedures, including progress regarding student performance and behavior.
7. Assists students and parents by providing proper examples, emotional support and general guidance as directed.
8. Communicates with teachers regarding programs and materials to meet student needs.
9. Follows health and safety practices and regulations.
10. Assists students in developing self-help and self-advocacy skills as directed.
11. Assists in implementing specialized student plans (IEP, BIP, 504, HIP), as needed.
12. Supports Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) initiatives.
13. Directs student group activities as assigned.
14. Provides assistance with de-escalating student behaviors and reintegration back into the classroom.
15. Implements classroom management system as applicable (e.g. STAR-C Management System).
16. Transports students as needed.
17. Follows Board policies, district procedures and contractual obligations.
18. Completes other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Additional Physical Requirements:

• Ability to provide physical care for assigned student(s)
• Ability to perform physical restraint as needed following correct procedures 
• Successful completion of post-offer drug screening and physical as well as background check