Instructional Assistant
**Please apply via the following link to be considered for this open position at Serendipity Center: ------------/jobs/
Here at Serendipity Center, we believe that children will do well if they can. However, sometimes circumstances create obstacles and challenges that make success in a traditional school setting nearly impossible. That's where we come in.
Serendipity Center is a therapeutic day school that combines Mental Health, Special Education, Wellness, and Transition Readiness supports for students who need extra time, attention, and skills practice to be successful. This model of therapeutic education advances Serendipity Center's mission of providing children the best environment to heal and become educated, productive community members.
Even with the organizational support we are able to offer, some of our students require a bit more personalized assistance. That's where you come in.
Serendipity is seeking to fill an Instructional Assistant position. IA's provide critical 1:1 support to children needing an individualized protocol in order to experience success at school. Interested candidates must have the desire and ability to work in a collaborative team model, with a primary goal of establishing and refining the protocols that will best support the child's learning and progress. Candidates must be able to assist children with academic learning and deliver appropriate social/emotional behavioral support. Physical Management (CPI - Crisis Prevention Intervention) is required at times to maintain safety. CPI training is provided.
Because our student's experiences are diverse and complex, and because establishing trusting relationships is vital to our model, we recognize the importance and value of having a diverse team that is responsive to the needs of our students.
Do you consider yourself a mission driven person with a passion for helping children? Please submit your application today!
SUMMARY
Provides individual instruction and support to assigned student or students with multiple impairments (emotional, behavioral, neurological, cognitive, and/or psychiatric) who are not yet able to independently participate in their school day.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Participates with mental health and classroom staff in implementing a BSP for assigned student that addresses lagging skills and replacement behaviors that the student must master to no longer require the support of a Skills Trainer.
• Observes all students to detect noticeable changes in behavior, and aids or restrains them to prevent injury to themselves or others; performs crisis intervention and CPI approved physical management.
• Coaches student to focus on the acquisition and practice of skills outlined by BSP and other general decision making and academic skills.
• Provides individualized or small group instruction, as directed by classroom teacher, using lessons and materials developed by teacher.
• Assess continually the needed level of intervention to support and facilitate the learning activities in the classroom; observes and controls behavior of student according to approved procedures.
• Establishes and maintains a rapport with students characterized by professional boundaries and respect; adapts interaction style for the needs of individual students.
• Models and teaches using CPS, appropriate social behavior and appropriate school behavior in the classroom and schoolwide.
• Accompanies assigned student to and from areas of the school, maintaining supervision expectations with line of sight.
• Assists assigned student in becoming accustomed to school routine.
• Protects confidentiality of information related to students and families.
• Reports to Case Manager (or designated substitute) all suspicions of potential abuse, neglect, self-harm and/or endangerment of others, through an incident report form.
• Implement Collaborative Problem Solving and principles of Re-Education as part of our integrated intervention model.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Provides constant supervision of students, particularly during transitions points in the school day (i.e. meals, breaks, restroom, etc.) in conjunction with other staff members, ensuring line of site.
• Supports teaching staff by providing continual re-directing, positive reinforcement, tutoring, planning with students having difficult days, and providing behavioral corrections within the classroom.
• Attends and participates actively in regular department and other staff meetings.
• Maintains familiarity with Serendipity's safety protocols and implements all required instruction, drills and procedures.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform most of the essential functions, however, the ability and willingness to utilize CPI physical management is a requirement for this position.
• Education/experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); 3-6 months experience working with school-aged children.
• Certification/Licenses: current CPI certification (can be obtained on the job).
• General Skills: Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Must be able to effectively organize and prioritize work. Must be able to follow written and oral instructions. Must concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work independently. Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Computer Skills: Proficient with email communication, Basic knowledge of word processing applications. General MS word, outlook, and data entry skill.
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to bend, reach, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. The employee must be able to frequently perform physical management techniques on children. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Other Requirements: Pass a pre-employment Mental Health and Development Disability Services Division criminal records check.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to assault by a student. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but occasionally may be very loud.
SOME OF THE PERKS Beyond working for a mission-driven school that has been serving the community for over 40 years, Serendipity offers a number of great perks. One significant benefit is the school schedule, which closely aligns with the school day, including time off that aligns with school breaks. This can be explained further during the interview process.
Serendipity offers a comprehensive benefits package that is largely employer paid for the employee and includes Medical/Dental/Vision / Basic Life/AD&D Insurance / Short and Long Term Disability / Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts / as well as a 403B retirement match after one year of employment.
Serendipity Center, Inc. will not discriminate against any individual with respect to employment or provision of services based upon that individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, disability, military status, gender identity, source of income or familial status. Additionally, Serendipity complies with Executive Order 11246, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.