Instructional Specialist

INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST
#2510

General Characteristics:
An Instructional Specialist is responsible for: a) providing specialized instructional support to a department head, faculty member or other supervisor and/or b) providing direct instruction and tutoring to students. As instructor support, the Specialist prepares materials, equipment and supplies for classes, instructional activities or labs; follows appropriate procedures for use and for safe handling of equipment and materials; supervises students in the use of equipment and materials; obtains, prepares and maintains supplies, materials and equipment; serves as community liaison for donations of equipment and materials; does related work as required. As student support, the Specialist tutors students in specific subject matter taught by a department (e.g. Science or Math) or trains tutors for students; assists students to work through assigned materials or self instructional modules; observes and diagnoses areas that are causing the student problems in their course assignments, teaching or lab projects; discusses problem areas with students and provides explanation, clarification, reference materials or examples; serves as community liaison for all aspects of literacy instruction and referral; does related work as assigned. Some positions in this class do a combination of the above. Work requires good organizational skills and considerable knowledge of the specific subject matter taught, as well as knowledge of applicable rules, regulations and procedures. Good communication and problem solving skills are required in diagnosing areas of student difficulty, instructing, guiding, supporting or tutoring students. Work requires knowledge of related equipment, tools, curriculum and instructional methods. Working conditions may include potential exposure to body fluids, disease organisms, dangerous equipment and hazardous materials. operating microcomputers and other lab equipment requires manual dexterity and visual acuity.

Examples of Work:
Obtains, prepares and maintains materials, equipment and supplies for student labs and classes; cleans up and organizes lab supplies, materials and specialized equipment; obtains or prepares specimens, standard reagents, dyes, solutions and student unknowns; keeps detailed records; trains student assistants in equipment use and proper procedures; provides assistance with assignments and supervises lab students; coordinates chemical spill response as specified in related Materials Safety Data Sheet; neutralizes and transfers waste as specified in lab procedures; checks out equipment and provides for security of equipment, supplies and materials; serves as liaison to local industry and/or the general public for donation of materials, supplies and equipment to the department.

Supervises and assists students in setting up the dinning room and the deli counter; trains students to operate espresso machine, bar blender cash register coffee grinder and other kitchen equipment; teaches and reinforces customer relations skills; observes and evaluates students performance in the dining room or deli.

Works closely with faculty to determine instructor needs; assists students in completion of assignments and assists instructors in grading projects/papers.

Installs and maintains electronics and drafting room equipment; supports interdepartmental maintenance and repair of equipment and training aids; orders supplies and materials; keeps inventory records of supplies, equipment and materials.

Provides specialized instructional assistance; trains and supervises students in the layout, design and production of the student newspaper; supervises students in the typesetting of newspaper articles and advertisements; supervises students in the operation and maintenance of photography equipment such as 35mm and stat cameras, darkroom equipment, scanners and enlargers.

Coordinates and supervises activities of student teachers assigned to do a practicum in the Child Development Center; conducts individual conferences with staff and students on goals, project planning, performance, grading and problems; participates in demonstration teaching for students; conducts seminars for practicum students; provides significant input concerning grades of practicum students to faculty coordinator.

Develops and coordinates tutor training for Adult Basic and Secondary Education volunteers in cooperation with other literacy groups; screens and matches volunteers and students; advises tutors on their student's progress and provides reference materials, strategies for encouraging students and assistance with planning lessons; develops and implements activities to recognize volunteer contributions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the content area and skill in applying the principles and practices of the area of assignment; knowledge of and skill in implementing appropriate curriculum activities and materials; knowledge of the department's philosophy and policies; knowledge of and skill in the safe handling and disposal of chemicals and materials as required by the position; knowledge of current developments and research in the area of specialization; knowledge of automated instructional and office systems; ability to provide positive reinforcement and encourage students and/or tutors; ability to observe and document the interactions of students enrolled in the Early childhood Education (ECE) program with young children; ability to operate microcomputer, copier, audiovisual equipment, calculators, scantron, calipers, cameras and other lab/program equipment; ability to assist students to plan and carry out required projects; ability to use active listening and constructive feedback to guide students; ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of students; ability to prepare written materials for students as directed by instructors; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to maintain a patient, caring and respectful attitude with students; ability to work well with students of varied backgrounds in a learning environment; ability to keep accurate and detailed records; ability to generate descriptive statistics on the program; ability to develop networks for support or referral; ability to assess needs of students; ability to order and maintain necessary materials, supplies and equipment as required by the position; ability to arrange for necessary repairs; ability to operate forklift, truck or van as required by the position; ability to operate kitchen equipment, hand tools or shop tools as required by the position; ability to work independently; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines; ability to observe and evaluate student and/or tutor performance; ability to analyze and diagnose student and/or tutor problem areas and provide needed clarification; ability to keep the learning environment neat and orderly; ability to lift up to 50 pounds as required by the position; ability to work safely.

Supervision:
Reports to and works under the general supervision of an instructor or other supervisor. A head teacher, center or lab coordinator may be available to assign work, provide priorities and troubleshoot problems on a daily basis. Work is performed independently using specialized experience and training. Work is reviewed for the quality of assistance provided.

This position may have responsibility to assign tasks, provide priorities and train student assistants, volunteers and hourly employees. I

Minimum Qualifications:
Two years of post-secondary education or training with course work in the area of assignment is required. Specific job related course work may be required, such as a complete calculus sequence for Instructional Specialists in the math lab. Two years of experience in the specialty area is required. A current Oregon driver's license or a current Oregon Approved Food Handlers Card may be required for some positions.

Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.

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