COMMUNITY SKILLS/PERSONAL ASSISTANT (4859)

DEPARTMENT: Exceptional Student Services

WORK YEAR: 9 Months

SALARY SCHEDULE: Education Support Professional

SUMMARY

The Community Skills/Personal Assistant is responsible for assisting students with special needs in educational programs and in extracurricular functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Monitors and supervises students during instructional and non- instructional activities including lunch, bus arrival/departure, free time, etc. Monitors students during off-campus activities.
• Provides instructional activity assistance to individual students and/or for small groups of students as requested by the teacher. Attends classes with students; implements accommodations and modifications to lessons. Provides instructional assistance to students.
• Assists teachers with preparation of room and instructional materials, maintain student records, folders, and performance data. Perform various clerical tasks as assigned by the teacher.
• Assists teacher in designing activities for lesson plans and Individual Education Programs. Assists with performance assessments.
• Assists teachers with tracking students' grades; helps students to check their own grades to stay on track for graduation.
• Assists students with behavioral management needs and personal hygiene practice and understanding.
• Monitors student usage of computers and other instructional equipment to ensure District and school policies and guidelines are being followed.
• Transports students to and from off-campus activities or school as necessary.
• Assists students in eating as required.
• Employs restraint tactics to control harmful behavior or self-abuse; assists students during epileptic seizures.
• Administers medications, under doctor's orders, and with parental permission.
• Attends staff meetings and in-services.
• Supports the relationship between the Phoenix Union High School District and the public by demonstrating courteous and professional behavior when interacting with students, parents, visitors, and school staff; maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and school information; follows Governing Board Policies; performs all other related duties as required or assigned.

The above essential functions are intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or GED equivalent; AND two years of classroom experience or experience working with special needs children; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Paraprofessional certification is desirable.
• Red Cross or EMT Certification, CPR Certification, and Non-Violent Behavior Management Certification within 60 days of hire, and maintain at current status.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Ability to relate to and provides assistance to special needs students.
• Ability to maintain the necessary records.
• Skill in planning, prioritizing, and completing assignments with minimum supervision.
• Skill in recognizing and adapting to the needs of students.
• Skill in understanding, explaining, and applying relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in researching and compiling data for reports, presentations, and technical documents.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to provide excellent customer experiences, including but not limited to interacting tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Commitment to create and sustain a thriving learning and working environment for students and staff.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to use initiative within organizational policies, procedures and guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a classroom environment and throughout school campus.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids and contagious illnesses when working with students.
• Ability to lift 70 pounds.

The Board is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in relation to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation, as well as gender identity, gender expression and immigration status. This policy will prevail in all matters concerning staff members, students, the public, educational programs and services, and individuals with whom the Board does business. Any person who believes he or she has been subjected to discrimination, harassment or retaliation on the basis of any protected reason other than disability may file a complaint under Administrative Regulation JB-R, or may contact the Superintendent's designee, the District Hearing & Compliance Officer at:

Phoenix Union High School District
4502 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85012
Phone: 602-764-1100
E-mail: PUHSDComplaints@phoenixunion.org