JOB LOCATION:  Early Intervention program located at GC Hartman Elementary School, Catawissa, PA in the Southern Columbia School District.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:  The Early Intervention Instructional Assistant will report to the Early Intervention Program Supervisor and in their absence to the Director of Early Childhood Services.

 

JOB DEFINITION:  This person will be responsible for facilitating the language, cognitive, motor, social-emotional, and self-help growth of the children assigned to this individual using developmentally appropriate activities.  Service may be provided at home, in childcare, nursery school or the preschool center classroom.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Support instruction to students in the classroom under the guidance and direction of the Early Intervention Teacher.
2. Participate in planning activities with the Early Intervention Teacher and other para-educators and related service providers to develop programs for children.
3. Promote cooperative partnerships with other early childhood agencies through sharing information and ideas as per confidentiality, HIPAA and FERPA regulations.
4. Maintain updated records and complete paperwork, including progress monitoring, in order to successfully operate the program.
5. When necessary, assist in performing all medical procedures required for the health and safety of each child as related to the child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This includes diapering and feeding children.
6. Attend and be punctual for staff meetings; notifying the Early Intervention Teacher and Early Intervention Program Supervisor if unable to attend.
7. Implement developmentally appropriate activities to meet the Individualized Education Plan goals and objectives to promote active learning by the child.
8. Assist the classroom teacher in all of the following but not limited to: use of assistive technology, tracking of IEP goals, developing meal plans, keeping attendance, ordering classroom supplies.
9. This position requires virtual instruction on an as needed basis according to daily program needs and as approved by the program director and/or district location scheduling changes.

 

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Early Intervention Program Supervisor or designee.

 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

• A high school diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) is required.
• The attainment of the Special Education Competency Assessment checklist (as approved by the immediate supervisor) within the first 90 working days of initial employment start date is required to remain in this position.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to accept great cultural diversity, flexibility to accommodate a changing caseload.
• Ability to cope with stressful situations and a professional attitude are required.
• Must have ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.

 

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Attend training seminars and in-service programs identified as important to the operation of the instructional program.
2. Obtain and maintain documentation of 20 hours of annual staff development training related to job assignment.
3. Training in First Aid, CPR and Save Crisis Management are required and subject to recertification.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

1. Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry young children (approximately 50 lbs.).
2. Must tolerate considerable bending, stooping and squatting.
3. In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.
4. Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
5. Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
6. Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
7. Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
8. Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
9. Must be able to assist children with self-help skills.
10. Must be able to negotiate stairs and rough terrain at centers and homes.
11. Ability to travel to various work site locations and meetings as needed.

 

TIME AND SITE REQUIREMENTS:  

1. Full time, non-exempt position working 185 days, 7.5 hours per day over a 12-month period. Additional working hours must be pre-approved by immediate supervisor.
2. Part time, non-exempt position working less than 29 hours per week, over a 12-month period.
3. Attend some evening events/activities as appropriate.
4. Must have transportation to work location(s).
5. Must be able to arrive at various locations on schedule over a wide geographic area.
6. Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.

 

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS: 

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and any other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state or federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled "Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too" and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

 

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the Director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.