INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT SPECIALIST
#2000
General Characteristics:
An Instructional Support Specialist is responsible for providing general instructional support to instructors and students in lab settings; may provide supervision in a lab as students do assigned listening, videotape, dictation or test assignments; corrects and scores tests or assignments; discusses assignments and test results with students, and suggests areas in need of further study; provides diagnosis, encouragement, coaching, orientation, resources and study skills in problem areas; coordinates purchasing, receiving, security, inventory, maintenance, set up and check out of specialized supplies for use in lab assignments; schedules use of lab facilities and audiovisual materials; maintains lab set-up manual; supervises students in the use of equipment and materials; keeps detailed records and provides for confidentiality; may provide ongoing computer technology support; does related work as required. The Instructional Support Specialist is distinguished from the Assessment/Testing Specialist by greater emphasis on instructional support, rather than screening, placement and referral. The Instructional Support Specialist is distinguished from the Instructional Specialist by the existence of more explicit guidelines for the work, requires less specific knowledge of the content area, less emphasis on tutoring/supervising students and/or less specific skill in job related procedures/techniques. This job class is not routinely required to handle or supervise the use of hazardous materials in the laboratory, unless specifically trained in safe procedures for given tasks. Work requires judgment, good organizational and verbal skills to understand needs of both students and staff, provide information and study skills reinforcement. Working conditions may include exposure to body fluids.
Examples of Work:
Works closely with faculty to determine instructor needs; assists students in completion of assignments and assists instructors in grading projects/papers according to specific key or instructions; schedules use of lab facilities; teaches listening, test taking and study skills; orients students and answers questions; diagnoses areas that are causing students difficulty and helps them with specific problems; provides additional explanation, reference materials, examples and appropriate referral to clarify concepts for students.
Prepares and maintains materials, equipment and supplies for student labs; cleans and organizes lab supplies, materials and specialized equipment; prepares lab trays according to specific models and guidelines of instructor; keeps detailed records; trains students in audiovisual equipment use and general lab procedures; provides assistance with assignments and supervises lab students.
Checks out equipment and provides for security of equipment, supplies and materials; performs routine cleaning and maintenance on lab equipment; coordinates maintenance and repair of equipment and training aids; orders supplies and materials according to established guidelines; keeps inventory records of supplies, equipment and materials.
Maintains a listening/testing lab where students listen to foreign language tapes, critical thinking skills tapes and complete other course materials according to established guidelines; checks listening and testing materials in and out; maintains resource library of audio and video tapes.
Provides support to faculty teaching telecourses; drafts/edits course syllabus; orients students concerning telecourses; meets with students who have special needs or questions; grade papers according to key provided by instructor; follows up with students on incomplete work; provides classroom coverage on an emergency basis for department; creates resource library, maintains and checks out resource materials/books for telecourses.
Gives and scores a variety of tests on a group or individual basis; distributes scores to appropriate persons; discusses test scores and areas in need of further study; assists disabled students with test taking; records students' tests and other classroom assignments; monitors students progress and maintains testing and/or course records; may provide clerical support as needed.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of and skill in the operation of office and lab equipment; knowledge of departmental rules, policies, procedures, and resources as they relate to the specific area of assignment; skill in human relations; skill in accurate and efficient data entry; ability to learn course content and to apply principles of the data of assignments; ability to learn terminology related to area of assignment; ability to provide positive reinforcement and encourage students; ability to work effectively with instructional staff in implementing curriculum and lab activities; ability to prepare written materials for the for students as directed by instructors; ability to communicate orally and in writing; ability to maintain a patient, caring and respectful attitude with students; ability to work with persons with a wide range of disabilities; ability to use active listening techniques ; ability to communicate information to students from varied ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds; ability to discuss test results and areas in need of further study; ability to work with instructors to identify instructional program needs; ability to work under pressure and meet dead lines; ability to observe and evaluate student performance; ability to analyze and diagnose student problem areas with course content; ability to order and maintain necessary materials, supplies and equipment as required by the position; ability to arrange for necessary repairs; ability to learn College programs, policies and information sources; ability to work independently; ability to keep the learning environment neat and orderly; ability to work safely.
Supervision:
Reports to and works under the general supervision of a division/department chair or other supervisor. An instructor may train, assign work, provide priorities and be available to troubleshoot problems on a daily basis. Detailed guidelines and instructions are provided. General daily routines are performed independently according to these guidelines. Work is reviewed for the quality of services provided to students and staff.
This position may have responsibility to assign tasks, provide priorities and train student assistants, volunteers and hourly employees.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school graduation or equivalent is required. One year of general office experience with substantial public contact or teacher's aide experience is required. A current Oregon driver's license and/or a current first aid/CPR card may be required for some positions.
Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.
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