Paraprofessional

CATE Instructional Assistant
Abbeville County Career Center
Position Purpose
Under the direct supervision of the Principal and the guidance of certified Career and Technical
Education (CATE) instructors, the CATE Instructional Assistant provides instructional and
operational support to assist students in achieving career and technical education goals. The
instructional assistant supports classroom, laboratory, and hands-on learning experiences;
reinforces technical and employability skills; assists with student supervision; and helps maintain
a safe, organized, and productive learning environment aligned with industry standards and
workforce expectations.
Essential Job Functions
Assists and guides students in developing and reinforcing career and technical skills,
employability skills, and other competencies aligned with program standards and
instructional objectives.
Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce technical instruction,
support academic learning, and implement assigned instructional programs.
Assists CATE instructors with hands-on learning activities, laboratory experiences,
demonstrations, and the application of industry-related skills.
Supports students in the safe and appropriate use of tools, equipment, machinery,
technology, and instructional materials specific to assigned CATE programs.
Assists professional staff in the administration, monitoring, and correction of classroom
exercises, technical assignments, assessments, and performance-based activities.
Assists with classroom, laboratory, and instructional preparations, including organizing
materials, preparing equipment, and maintaining workspaces to support effective
instruction.
Reinforces instructional materials, technical procedures, safety practices, and
employability skills according to individual student needs and instructor direction.
Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning, participation,
performance, and progress toward instructional objectives.
Supports classroom and laboratory behavioral management to minimize disruptions,
maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, and ensure students remain engaged
and on task.
Assists in monitoring students during classroom instruction, laboratory activities, work-
based learning experiences, field trips, career-related activities, and other school-
sponsored events.
Accompanies students on field trips, career tours, industry visits, work-based learning
experiences, and other educational activities for the purpose of assisting with supervision
and student safety.

Constructs, copies, distributes, and utilizes instructional materials, technical resources,
and educational activities as needed.
Assists instructors in reinforcing workplace readiness skills, including communication,
teamwork, professionalism, problem-solving, time management, and appropriate
workplace behaviors.
Supports the implementation of individualized instructional strategies, accommodations,
and modifications for students with disabilities or other special needs, as directed by
certified staff.
Assists with maintaining an organized, clean, and safe classroom, laboratory, and
instructional environment in accordance with applicable safety procedures and industry
standards.
Reports equipment concerns, safety hazards, student concerns, and other issues to the
appropriate certified staff member or administrator.
Assists instructors with parental communication, as requested, to support student
achievement, attendance, career development, and parent involvement.
Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper
manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special
needs.
Performs other related duties as assigned by the Principal or certified CATE instructors.
Additional Duties
Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal, CATE instructors, or other
designated administrators.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities and is not intended to be
all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment
Uses standard office equipment, including personal computers, copiers, printers, and other
instructional technology. May be required to assist students with the use of program-specific
tools, equipment, machinery, and technology under the direction of certified CATE instructors
and in accordance with established safety procedures.
Travel Requirements
Travel between schools, central offices, career-related activities, industry partners, and other
designated locations may be required. Travel may include assisting with student supervision
during career tours, field trips, work-based learning experiences, and other educational activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to carry out written and oral instructions provided by the Principal and certified
CATE instructors.
Ability to assist students in developing career and technical skills, employability skills,
and workplace readiness competencies.
Ability to support hands-on instruction and reinforce technical concepts in classroom and
laboratory settings.
Ability to follow established safety procedures and assist in maintaining a safe
instructional and laboratory environment.
Ability to understand and apply basic mathematical concepts, including addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, and other arithmetic operations as needed to support
CATE instruction.
Ability to understand, apply, and use personal computers, instructional technology, and
software applications, including Word and Excel.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of students, staff, parents, and
community and industry partners.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees, and
others.
Ability to establish supportive and compassionate relationships with students, including
students with disabilities or other special needs.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff,
administrators, parents, and others contacted in the course of work.
Ability to assist with student supervision, classroom management, and the
implementation of instructional strategies.
Ability to recognize and report safety concerns, equipment issues, and student needs to
the appropriate personnel.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to report work orally or in writing to the supervisor as required.
Ability to demonstrate professionalism, dependability, flexibility, and a commitment to
student success and career readiness.
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in classroom, laboratory, workshop, and other career and technical education
environments.
May be exposed to program-specific hazards associated with tools, equipment,
machinery, chemicals, materials, and hands-on instructional activities.
Must be able to follow established safety procedures and assist in maintaining a safe and
orderly instructional environment.
May be required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, lift, carry, or perform other physical
activities associated with classroom and laboratory instruction.
Ability to work outdoors during student activities, career-related events, and other
educational experiences.
Ability to maintain appropriate supervision and awareness of student safety in active
instructional environments.

Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements Needed to
Perform Essential Functions for this position.
Qualifications Profile

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skills and knowledge for
successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Successful completion of college-level coursework or passing of the Paraprofessional
examination, as applicable to district and state requirements.
Experience working with students in an educational setting preferred.
Experience or familiarity with career and technical education, technical instruction,
laboratory environments, or industry-related practices preferred.
Ability to work collaboratively with certified CATE instructors and support student
achievement, career readiness, and workplace skill development.

FLSA Status
Non-exempt