Student Support Assistant

Summary

The Student Support Assistant will engage students, families, and other members of our learning community to ensure high student achievement. Under the direction of the Special Education Teacher and Head of School, they will provide will instructional and behavioral support students with special needs in the classroom environment and support the Specialist Education Teacher, classroom teachers, and other members of the instructional team.

About UMCS

Urban Montessori Charter School's mission is to develop self-directed and engaged learners who are academically, socially and emotionally prepared to succeed in any high school. Nurturing the innovators of tomorrow to creatively meet the challenges of today's world with confidence, compassion and grace, Urban Montessori cultivates individual curiosities and strengths, while holding children to a high standard of excellence. At Urban Montessori, children deepen their understanding of what it means to live responsibly in a diverse urban community.

UMCS is a public charter school serving TK through 8th grade. The school is located in Oakland and is open to all children residing in the state of California. We serve a socio-economically, racially and culturally diverse community of children because we believe that all children learn about different backgrounds and perspectives by living and working with people from those backgrounds and perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and interventions for students under the guidance of the Education Specialist, Supervisor, and/or Lead Montessori Teacher to ensure students meet academic and behavioral goals
• Assist student, Lead Teacher, and Support Teacher in implementing the academic and behavior plan and provide support in the classroom, as needed
• Tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the Education Specialist and General Education teacher; monitor and oversee student activities, practices, and assignments in various subjects
• Engage caregivers in the educational process, providing frequent opportunities to discuss student growth and needs
• Deliver Specialized Academic Instruction (SAI) under the supervision of the Education Specialist
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to meet the individual needs of special education students
• Observe and manage students’ behavior according to approved procedures and individual plans; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; communicate with caregivers regarding student performance and behavior as assigned
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner
• Assist and perform personal hygiene for students, including tooth brushing, toileting and diapering as needed; serve snacks and meals to students with severe eating problems and monitor self-feeding students; take appropriate action when students have difficulty while eating
• Help provide testing accommodations, (e.g., supervise student testing in a separate location or during an extended time, etc.) as needed
• Monitor students’ socio-emotional, behavioral and personal growth by completing progress reports to teachers and families
• Provide support with transportation for students with disabilities or act as the point-person for students with transportation services as necessary

Qualifications

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma (Bachelor’s Degree preferred)
• 1+ year working with students in special education or students from urban communities in an educational setting
• Knowledge of child cognitive development and different learning styles, as well as basic instructional methods and techniques
• Knowledge of basic subjects taught in elementary school, including arithmetic reading, writing, grammar, and spelling

Expectations

• Strong alignment with UMCS mission
• Ability to build immediate and caring rapport with children of all ages; strong understanding of child and adolescent development
• Passion for working with students from urban communities, with specific knowledge and understanding of the needs of students from different experiences, languages and backgrounds
• Ability to work in a creative and demanding learning environment, including the ability to problem-solve and manage ambiguity and adversity
• Excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively
• Computer literate and able to acquire new technology skills
• Excellent organization, time management and follow-up skills; high sense of commitment; ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Must be professional, prompt, and punctual
• Must possess a growth mindset and be able to use feedback to refine practice