Instructional Assistant, BEARS

Basic Function and Representative Duties

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of a certificated administrator, assist certificated teacher(s) by providing tutorial support and education services to children enrolled in an assigned program; supervise children in educational settings.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provide tutorial support and early childhood education services to children enrolled in an assigned program; tutor individual students in a variety of subject areas; and assist with implementing lesson plans as assigned by the position
• Collaborate with teacher in planning instructional activities; Support and deliver instruction under the guidance of the teacher(s);
• Assist with the development of lesson plans; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude, and general guidance
• Assist with maintaining various student records, files, logs, and reports related to student attendance, progress, and assigned activities;
• Assist with snack and lunch time as assigned; assist children with eating activities; assist students with washing hands and faces after play times and meals; as needed
• Provide classroom support to the teacher(s) by setting up work areas and displays, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies, and materials; assist in maintaining a safe, orderly, and sanitary classroom and play environment (e.g., set up activities and store play equipment; clean and disinfect tables, play equipment, and other classroom areas as assigned)
• Assist with active supervision of children in educational settings; accompany and assist with the supervision of students on field trips; use positive reinforcement strategies and other approved techniques to assist students in the development of appropriate behaviors
• Consult with the teacher and use protocols as needed to implement appropriate intervention strategies
• Administer basic first aid and CPR as required; assist teacher with emergency plans and drills (e.g., fire, earthquake, lockdown); follow emergency procedures and protocols as assigned
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and professional development as assigned

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned Knowledge and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Basic principles and practices of early child development Child guidance principles and practices Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) strategies Diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of designated families Basic instructional methods and techniques Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary Operation of standard office equipment Oral and written communication skills Interpersonal skills using tact, compassion, patience, and courtesy Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques Basic subjects taught in elementary education

ABILITY TO:

Tutor individual and small groups of students in a variety of subject areas and implement lesson plans Establish rapport with all students enrolled in the program Learn, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures Learn the policies and objectives of the assigned program and activities Assist with planning and implementing a variety of educational activities Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others Operate standard office equipment Maintain records and prepare reports Redirect student behavior to the best of your ability in accordance with district and program protocols and guidelines Administer basic first aid and CPR as needed Education, Experience and Other Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by six (6) units of college- level coursework in early childhood education and one year of experience working with students or families in a social services or educational environment. Incumbents must meet requirements specified under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid first aid and CPR certificate preferred.

State Bill 792 (SB 792) requires employees at childcare facilities to be immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. Additionally, between August 1 and December 1 of each year, employees and volunteers must receive an influenza vaccine or submit an opt-out declaration

Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read and write in a designated second language. Working Conditions and Additional Information

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Indoor classroom work environment Outdoor playground environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and classroom equipment Hearing and speaking to exchange information Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor students Lifting, carrying, pushing, moving, and/or pulling up to 50 pounds with assistance Sitting or standing for extended periods of time Bending at the waist, twisting, squatting, and/or kneeling, to assist students and perform various activities in the classroom and on the playground Walking for extended distances periods of time to monitor and assist students in the classroom, on the playground, and while on field trips

HAZARDS:

Potential contact with blood and other bodily fluids Exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious diseases

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION:

The first step is an application screening to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description. Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the following two-part examination process: First Examination: Training and Experience Assessment - Qualifying Pass/Fail The Training and Experience (T&E) assessment will evaluate each candidate’s complete application, including employment history, education, training, and responses to the required supplemental questions. The supplemental questions align with the approved duties and qualifications for the position. Candidates must receive a Pass rating on the T&E assessment to proceed to the second examination. Second Examination: 100% of Final Examination Score Candidates who pass the T&E assessment will be invited to participate in a second examination. The second exam may consist of a written exam, an oral exam, a performance exam, a structured interview (SI), or a qualification appraisal interview (QAI). The second examination will determine 100% of the candidate’s numerical examination score and placement on the eligibility list. The passing score will be set between 50 and 99, under the direction of the Personnel Director, based on factors specific to the examination and recruitment. Once established, the passing score will be applied uniformly to all candidates.

EXAMINATION WEIGHT

FIRST EXAMINATION: T&E - Qualifying Pass/Fail SECOND EXAMINATION: 100% of the final examination score Candidates must pass each examination component to proceed. Candidates who do not pass will be notified of their results and applicable review or appeal rights.

OTHER: Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.

Notification of Non-Discrimination Policy The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to fostering a positive working environment for its employees. Accordingly, BUSD practices shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying of any employee based on an employee's actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testi?es or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy.

The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination regarding Board Policy 4030:

Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator 2020 Bonar Street, Room 116 Berkeley, CA 94702 Phone: 510-486-9338 Email: nondiscrimination@berkeley.net

Benefits

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown and increases are granted at intervals based on satisfactory service.

BENEFITS (FOR PERMANENT EMPLOYEES): Health plans provide for full coverage for employees and family in the area of medical and dental insurance to a negotiated maximum. All employees who work an average regular assignment of less than 5-1/2 hours a day (.72 FTE or less) shall be entitled to health insurance coverage and dental insurance coverage on a pro-rated basis. This position is covered by Social Security and may be eligible for California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), with joint employee and employer paid contributions. Current members of CalPERS working in other California state, county, city, and school districts can transfer retirement service credit to the District. All employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistant Program (EAP). The District also offers various optional benefits including life insurance, short term disability, Vision Service Plan (VSP), and a medical and dependent care flexible spending option.

VACATION: Regular, non-management, District employees shall accrue vacation as follows:

1-3 Years: Ten (10) working days per year until he/she has completed four (4) years of service.

4-9 Years: Fifteen (15) working days per year until he/she has completed ten (10) years of service.

10-14 Years: Twenty (20) working days per year until he/she has completed fifteen (15) years of service.

15+ Years: Twenty-five (25) working days per year.

Regular twelve (12) month employees shall accrue two (2) additional days of vacation per year at each step indicated above.

HOLIDAYS: Annual employees receive seventeen (17) paid holidays per year:

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving Holiday (3 Days)

Winter Board Holiday (3 Days)

New Year's Holiday (2 Days)

Martin Luther King's Birthday

Lincoln's Birthday

Washington's Birthday

Spring Board Holiday

Malcolm X's Birthday

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

School Year employees may receive sixteen (17) paid holidays, including all of the above except Independence Day (4th of July).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Classified employees may also participate in professional development activities to enhance their careers.

HEALTH AND CHARACTER INVESTIGATIONS:

Candidates selected for appointment may be required to pass a medical examination given by a Commission-designated physician to determine physical fitness for District employment. The Commission may disqualify any eligible candidates on the basis of the examining physician's report. The District also conducts a fingerprinting background check for all potential candidates for hire. All convictions must be declared and explained on the application; failure to do so will automatically disqualify the application. Tuberculosis tests must be completed and a negative result must be supplied prior to beginning work.