Student Support Associate

To assist the classroom teacher in helping students increase their academic and social skills, preparing them for inclusive general‑education activities, maintaining a safe and orderly environment, reducing disruptions, and supporting all IEP goals and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in functional academic programming developed by the classroom teacher.
• Help students through small‑group instruction, one‑on‑one tutoring, and assignment completion.
• Provide individualized support for students with limiting conditions (blind, hard of hearing, cerebral palsy, spinal bifida, limited motor skills, reduced mental abilities, wheelchair‑bound, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, etc.) to enable their most independent performance per their IEP.
• Under the guidance of a principal, teacher or nurse, supervise and assist students with personal hygiene programming, health and safety through CPR, first aid, trach/catheter care, medication administration, and monitoring medication levels.
• Supervise and assist students with environmental mobility programming in community settings and adaptive PE programs and special events (field trips, assemblies, tours, concerts).
• Assist with all student needs throughout the day including movement between classes, art, music, PE, physical therapy, recess, restrooms, personal hygiene, occupational therapy, and cross‑disciplinary activities.
• Carry out teacher‑directed activities to reach individual or group IEP goals.
• Prepare specialized teaching aids and materials as planned by the teacher.
• Implement recommendations from consultants (occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech/language pathologist, etc.).
• Enforce classroom rules and procedures to maintain a fair, supportive, inclusive learning environment.
• Use reinforcement strategies such as prompting, modeling, and shaping.
• Model and guide activities that integrate students with special needs.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student records.
• Ensure a clean, sanitary, orderly, and safe environment.
• Record behavioral data, accident reports, and other relevant documentation.
• Collaborate with teachers and the team to address student needs, concerns, and performance.
• Assist students in completing classroom assignments and reinforcing concepts presented by the teacher.
• Provide consistent feedback and reinforcement aligned with the teacher’s behaviour management plan.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, colleagues, and administration.
• Promote positive self‑esteem and caring behaviours among students.
• Perform clerical duties and assist with school supervision duties.
• Participate in ongoing professional development specific to student and classroom needs.
• Adhere to district and school policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular, reliable attendance, promptness, and dependability.
• Demonstrate professional appearance, organizational skills, and technical proficiencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Accepts, understands, and follows directions and instructions.
• Learns, understands, and implements appropriate student behaviour techniques.
• Responds effectively to crisis intervention.
• Demonstrates knowledge of district and school programs relevant to the learning environment.
• Shows a cooperative and collaborative approach; contributes positively to the instructional team.
• Communicates verbally and in writing professionally and effectively with the school community.
• Possesses a genuine interest in helping students and demonstrates patience.
• Supports students in becoming more self‑sufficient and successful in class activities.
• Assists in the preparation, serving, and cleanup of breakfast, lunch, and snacks as needed.
• Maintains professional growth; holds mandatory reporting, first aid, CPR certification as required.
• Assumes duties and responsibilities assigned by administration and teachers.

Professional Standards

• Quality of Work – supports learning environments and encourages appropriate standards.
• Quantity of Work – demonstrates high productivity and carries a fair share of workload.
• Job Knowledge – understands and applies professional strategies, techniques, and materials.
• Creativity/Problem Solving – suggests innovative ideas and improves necessary tasks.
• Interpersonal Skills – collaborates with others, shows courtesy and positivity.
• Dependability – reliable, punctual, and consistent attendance; works independently.
• Professional Appearance – maintains an appropriate, clean, well‑groomed look.
• Organizational Skills – prioritises work and enhances productivity.
• Technical Skills – proficient with required computer applications.
• Communication – conveys information accurately and clearly; writes and speaks effectively.
• Managing Change/Adaptability – understands and supports organisational changes.
• Professional Approach – positive, helpful, displays loyalty and follows administration/teacher requirements.
• Flexibility – open to new structures and willing to adapt.
• Safety – knowledge of health and safety procedures and processes; follows them.

Supervisory Responsibilities

If necessary, supervise individual special‑needs students and other students throughout the building/playground.

Minimum Education and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent. Experience with students preferred (but not required). Experience in special education or related field preferred (but not required). Experience with behaviour and learning‑challenged students.

Licensure or Certification

CPR certification for adults, children, infants with AED and barrier device (preferred). First aid certification (preferred). Crises Prevention Intervention training (preferred). Annual mandatory reporting for child/dependent adult abuse.

Physical Demands

Must stand constantly, lift up to 80 lb to waist level with assistance, support wheelchair or mobility devices up to 50 lb, lift up to 30 lb, lift up to 25 lb above head level, squatting or climbing stairs for up to 2 minutes, work in varied temperature and humidity, perform cleaning with PPE, and pass a pre‑employment physical.

Work Environment

The environment ranges from quiet to loud depending on activity and location; may involve outdoor duties in all weather, minimal air‑conditioning, and variable noise and temperature conditions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Linn‑Mar Community School District shall provide equal opportunity to employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action laws, directives, and regulations. The District will consider the qualifications, credentials, and records of applicants without regard to age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, genetic information, physical or mental ability, ancestry, political preference, military status, socioeconomic status, pregnancy, or familial status.