Job Title: Instructional Assistant

Location: Buford Middle School

Reports to:  Principal and assigned teacher/program

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Job Description Translation:  Dari • Pashto 

Summary:

The Bilingual Instructional Assistant is responsible for working with a caseload of students and their families that are enrolled in the School Support for Afghan Students (SSAS) Initiative. A Bilingual Instructional assistant is responsible for clerical, instructional, and human support assisting the school in the management and instruction of students within the SSAS Initiative. The instructional assistant performs related tasks as required and directed and is under the supervision of the principal. The instructional assistant may independently perform some aspects of the instructional program and share results and data with the teacher. The instructional assistant will support communication with SSAS enrolled students, their families, and school personnel.

Essential Functions:

• Assist SSAS eligible students individual and in groups to present or reinforce learning concepts
• Assist with family communication including but not limited to home visits, phone calls home, and support during student meetings
• Collaborate with the ESL teachers to help support SSAS eligible students
• Administer tests, homework assignments and make-up work as directed by the teacher
• Develop and maintain pleasant and orderly classroom environment (e.g., maintain instructional materials, design bulletin boards, assist special education teacher and/or students in clean-up activities, etc)
• Assist teacher in maintaining appropriate level of classroom behavior and control
• Assign appropriate discipline of students if directed by teacher
• Assist teacher in related instructional activities (e.g., field trips, library, assembly, etc.) to identify needed support, reinforcement of behavior, social skills, to create a safe and positive learning environment
• Assist in physical movement of students from one learning environment to another
• Supervise students in cafeteria or during lunch period
• Supervise students during free time and other non-instructional periods as directed by the teacher
• Assist in maintenance of students’ records if directed by the teacher
• Participate in team meetings
• Assist with health-related duties as directed by the teacher and trained to effectively complete the duties

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

Understand and assist with basic language arts and math skills; excellent written and oral communication; skills to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions; operate standard office equipment, prepare and maintain accurate records; knowledge of school policies and procedures; understanding of effective discipline procedures; ability to follow directions from the classroom teacher; knowledge of age/ability appropriate activities; concepts of grammar and punctuation; safety practices and procedures; develop effective working relationships with students, parents, and staff; flexibility to be able to change processes quickly based on current situations; ability to communicate with diverse groups; problem-solving is needed to identify issues and help develop action plans; maintain confidentiality; ability to work as part of a team

Education and/or Experience:

A Bilingual Instructional Assistant should be fluent in either Dari or Pashto and have conversation-level English language skills.  A bilingual instructional assistant with experience working with elementary and/or middle school aged children or working as a teacher is recommended but not required.

Physical Conditions and Nature of Work:

Duties performed typically in school settings to include:  classroom, gym, cafeteria, auditorium and recreational areas.  Occasional travel with students on field trips may be necessary. The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  occasional lifting of equipment up to 40 pounds, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; significant fine finger dexterity.  Generally, the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing.    Occasional attendance at parent conferences, building-level and division wide meetings and training activities beyond the normal assigned hours is necessary. Daily person close contact with children to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required.  Regular contact with other staff members, parents and medical professionals may be required. 

Evaluation:

The Instructional Assistant is evaluated by the Principal.

Contract Length:

10 months/200 days