Special Education Instructional Assistant

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of The Director of Learning and Development and Instructors, the Special Education Instructional Assistant will assist with the academic, social, and cultural development of the students of the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians.  This position will aid working with students to develop their academic skills necessary to successfully complete expectations within their day, while navigating the disabilities that might hinder growth for all students K through adult.  The Special Education Instructional Assistant will provide supervision and assistance and accommodations to students during academic, remedial, and cultural enrichment activities.  The Special Education Instructional Assistant will aid in serving as an advocate between schools, essential organizations, the parents/guardians, and the youth.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with the instructors and director, to develop and implement learning plans for students with special needs.
2. Adapt teaching methods, materials, and activities to accommodate individual student learning styles and abilities.
3. Collaborate with other instructors to include public school therapists and support staff to ensure a coordinated approach to student learning.
4. Assist instructional staff with data collection and assessment to ensure student growth.
5. Foster a positive and inclusive approach that encourages a learning environment that promotes confidence, independence, and self-advocacy.
6. Work with staff and the director to stay up to date on best practices in special education and to incorporate new techniques and approaches into instruction.
7. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1. Must have a High School diploma or equivalent.
2. 2 years’ experience in the education field or related experience working with youth required. 
3. Experience working with individuals with disabilities and a working knowledge of how to support students having mild/moderate and or moderate/severe disabilities, preferably in an education setting.
4. Have a strong understanding of different learning styles and ability to adapt instruction accordingly.
5. Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with students, parents and colleagues.
6. Demonstrate patience, empathy and a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with special needs.
7. Ability to always maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
8. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to the changing needs of students and the educational environment.
9. Basic Math and English composition skills required.
10. Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and be insurable under the Tribe’s insurance policy.

Uphold Tribal Vision Statement:

The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians is a Sovereign Nation that is dedicated to upholding Social and Economic Stability through Self-Reliance and promoting the Health, Safety, and Welfare of our Indian People.

Physical Requirements:

This position is considered a level 2 and requires walking; standing; sitting for prolonged periods of time; climbing stairs; stooping; kneeling; crouching; reaching; pushing, pulling and lifting up to 30 pounds; raising objects overhead; manual dexterity for operation of computer, phones and small office machines; hearing; talking; good verbal and written communication skills; repetitive motion of the wrists, hands, and fingers.

Indian Preference:

Preference in filling vacancies shall be given first to qualified Tuolumne Me-Wuk Community Council Members and then to enrolled Native Americans of any federally recognized tribe. Documentation for claiming preference must be provided with the application for consideration. Other than the above, the Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribe is an equal-opportunity employer.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

Employment is contingent on pre-employment background and drug test results.