Classroom Assistant Elementary

Job Title:

Classroom Assistant of General Education 

Salary Class:

CA 10

Location

School Location 

PCS Code:

See Below 

Reports To

Principal

Position Type: 

Full-Time/Non Exempt

General Statement of Job 

Under regular supervision, performs specialized work by assisting teachers in instructing and directing the activities of students to provide a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Assists students with exercises and the preparation of materials for class activities; concentrates efforts with small groups of students and individuals as necessary. Reinforces all knowledge and skills taught by the classroom teacher. Assists teachers by administering and grading tests, recording grades, substituting as needed, escorting children to other areas of the school, monitoring student behavior, etc. At the kindergarten / elementary school level, listens to individuals and small groups in reading exercises; participates in free play time; assists with basic health needs and may accompany individuals to lavatories. At the high school level, may instruct students in the use of computer programs related to their respective subjects. At the vocational level, provides specific instructional support to CTE teachers and is responsible for assisting groups of students in various curriculum clusters. Performs the full range of instructional assistant duties and responsibilities combined with applying vocationally specific experience and training to support student learning.  May assist in teaching, correcting and transcribing Braille. Serves as a liaison between school and parents; translates to parents and students. May operate computers and provide basic computer instructional assistance to students. May manage a computer lab, performing without direct supervision various duties including enrolling students, maintaining records, operating and ensuring the proper maintenance of computers, troubleshooting computer problems, supervising students and maintaining a clean and orderly facility. Creates bulletin board displays in the classroom or department. Assists in maintaining student records and files, including performing computer data entry. Prepares transparencies, charts, graphs and duplicated materials for classroom use; operates and cares for audio-visual equipment. Assists in cleaning and storing of materials after completion of activities. Supervises students when unloading and loading buses, in the halls, on field trips, during lunch and on school grounds. Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, teachers, students, parents, co-workers, school administrators, other school/District personnel, etc.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists in maintaining a clean and orderly classroom. Performs related duties as required.

Essential Functions 

Physical Requirements :

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including a computer, audio-visual equipment, copier, etc. Must be able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Work involves sitting much of the time, but also involves walking or standing for periods of time, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, etc. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to thirty pounds.

Data Conception :

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications:

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to subordinates and receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisors.

Language Ability :

Requires the ability to read a variety of policies and procedures, professional journals, reference materials, etc. Requires the ability to enter data into the computer and prepare correspondence, narrative and numerical reports,purchase orders, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:

Requires the ability to apply principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; to deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Requires the ability to apply influence systems in managing a supervisory/management staff; to learn and understand relatively complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude :

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages.

Numerical Aptitude :

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to determine percentages and decimals, and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information. 

Motor Coordination: 

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office machinery.

Manual Dexterity: 

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, etc. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. 

Interpersonal Temperament: 

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. 

Physical Communications:

Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear)

Training and Experience 

Requires a minimum of 60 college hours from an accredited college or university, supplemented by a minimum of two years of consistent training and experience working with children in an education-oriented institution, providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities. May require specialized training in conflict resolution and behavior modification.

Performance Criteria Evaluations

Job Knowledge: 

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the District as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Classroom Assistant. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and Florence 1 Schools. Has knowledge of the characteristics of the age group assigned. Has knowledge of basic computer operation if relevant. Is able to establish and maintain positive relationships and work effectively with adults and children. Is able to supervise, guide and support students. Is able to reinforce skills taught by the teacher. Is able to follow lesson plans provided by the teacher. Is able to motivate students to participate in educational activities and to want to learn. Has the ability to offer guidance and assistance to students, co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Has the ability to use independent judgment as needed in performing routine and non-routine tasks. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to read and interpret lesson plans, instructions, student records and other materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Knows how to prepare graded papers, display materials, hand-outs, etc. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Is able to perform job tasks professionally in an environment where discrimination and other public issues are constant concerns. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has good organizational, technical and human relations skills. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. 

Quality of Work: 

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments and divisions, co-workers and the public.

Quantity of Work: 

Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce a quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District.

Dependability: 

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability. Strives to anticipate work to be done, and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: 

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur, and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Monitors the activities/behavior of the student body to ensure student safety and well-being.

Cooperation:

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction, and strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same. Questions such as instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc.). Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District. 

Relationships with Others:

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and district benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staff and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good district image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the District. Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public.

Coordination of Work:

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: 

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies. Sees that standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Terms of Employment 

 190 Salary and work year to be established by the district.

For Human Resources and Finance Department:

PCS CODES:

920000: Classroom Assistant 5K

940002: Classroom Assistant Grades 1&2

940003: Classroom Assistant Computer Lab

940011: Classroom Assistant Grades 1-5

910001: Classroom Assistant Early Intervention

940021: Classroom Assistant Grade 3

940005: Classroom Assistant Grades 3 & 4

940012: Classroom Assistant Grades 6-8

940013: Classroom Assistant Adult Education

930001: Classroom Assistant Project Search

940022: Classroom Assistant Culinary Arts

940010: Classroom Assistant Vocational 

Florence 1 Schools does not discriminate in the selection, employment, or promotion of employees on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal or S.C. law.

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