Instructional Assistant - SAS Math

Job Description

GENERAL STATEMENT
Under the supervision of the Coordinator of Learning Support, and the direction of the Chair of Math, the Instructional Assistant (IA) works both independently, and as part of a team of instructors, co-workers, and community partners, to provide extensive learning assistance support in the Access Learning Centres, and may be asked to manage the operations of a networked computer learning lab and a test writing centre. The IA may be the first point of contact for students of varying skill levels in math, computing, and literacy. These duties are performed in a complex, sometimes high volume and constantly changing student-centred learning environment. The Instructional Assistant is key in contributing to a positive learning environment for a diverse student body.
Assignments will be in various learning centres on the Interurban and/or Lansdowne campuses.

TYPICAL DUTIES
Depending on assignment:
• Tutors students in a wide range of mathematics and statistics courses from fundamental levels up to and including 2nd-year mathematics and statistics, including reinforcing concepts when needed and updating students on material missed;
• Assists instructors in the preparation and set-up of computer based learning materials and provides administrative support in creating and updating learning centre resources and materials;
• Orients students to learning materials available to them in the learning centre. This includes but is not limited to: course materials for math, GED, videos, online learning materials and websites;
• Provides leadership and support by reinforcing program objectives and individual learning plans, while adapting to individual instructor styles and changing curriculum;
• Responds to a wide range of student inquiries providing clarification and guidance related to programs, courses, assessments, student services, and college policies and where necessary, refers students to the appropriate Chair, College Services, and/or external agencies,
• Liaises with instructors to help identify students with learning disabilities or students who are experiencing extreme anxiety;
• Participates in clear, consistent and regular communication between Instructors and Instructional Assistants;
• Determines if a student is ready to write a test and/or move on to the next assignment by confirming progress; administers final and practice tests, including invigilating and providing detailed instructions; performs subjective and objective marking; maintains a secure file of test masters, tests and student attendance records, and forwards records to instructors and instructional assistants upon request;
• Maintains, organizes and sets procedures of the test writing/computer lab/learning centre and monitors the flow of usage in the lab; identifies inappropriate computer use; addresses issues with students when problems arise, and if required, refers the matter to security;
• Supports student enrolment management by telephoning current students to follow up on no-shows, absences, and waitlists;
• Ensures all communication (voicemail, email, etc.) is checked and replied to daily;
• Maintains and organizes the learning centre and establishes and modifies the borrowing system as required to ensure a variety of resources and materials are received, catalogued and made available to students; monitors overdue cards and calls students who have outstanding library materials;
• Provides basic troubleshooting of a variety of computer hardware and software technical difficulties as required; reports any required repairs to the lab technician or ITS as required;
• Monitors and maintains an inventory of office and classroom supplies and print materials, brochures, etc and re-orders as necessary;
• Responds to student crisis situations with appropriate crisis intervention strategies and contacts the appropriate support service when necessary;
• Assists in recruitment of new students by attending and/or providing information sessions;
• Orients and trains new staff; provides orientation for new and substitute instructors;
• Performs other duties similar in scope and complexity. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mathematics plus two years recent practical experience tutoring adult learners in mathematics at advanced, provincial and/or post-secondary level in a post secondary environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced level knowledge and skill with personal computers and software applications including the MS Office suite,; basic level technical troubleshooting in a networked learning lab environment
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with adults with learning disabilities and sensitivity towards learners with multi-barrier student issues and the ability to respond to the needs of these learners
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent communication skills, both oral and written, demonstrating tact, discretion and sensitivity to a diverse student population
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to articulate math concepts clearly and concisely
• Demonstrated time-management, multi-tasking and organizational skills including the ability to work independently with minimum supervision and as part of a team
• Demonstrated problem solving and conflict resolution skills
• Knowledge of college structure, resources and services available to support students Supporting Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Recommendations Capabilities The core capabilities are required for all positions at the college.

Focus on Students and Their Success (Core)
• We all have a role to play in promoting and supporting students – directly or indirectly – contributing to their success, education and transition as they build their path to the future.

Cultural Alignment (Core)
• Inclusion and respect align with Camosun’s traditions of lifelong learning and positive, supportive experiences for all. We examine our individual and institutional cultures and, through indigenization, consider other ways of knowing (thinking), being (approaches), doing (acting), and relating.

Fostering and Nurturing Relationships (Core)
• Fostering and nurturing relationships is at the core of everything we do. Successful workplace relationships take time to develop and include building trust, engagement and collaboration.