Special Education Paraprofessional

Primary Purpose:

Help meet the physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and outside the classroom. Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate

Have met formal academic assessment, an associate's degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning*

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Experience:

Two years of experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Student Management

• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs when performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Assist students with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and Health Maintenance Activities (HMAs) such as escorting, Medication Assistance, Money Management, Telephone use or Other Communication.
• Help manage the behavior of assigned student(s). This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student as needed.
• Recognize differences in student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction according.
• Work with assigned student(s) or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Assist assigned students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s).

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Documentation for SHARS for students on Medicaid, including X-logs and Random Moment Time Studies.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking and reaching

Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment

Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

*Required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for aides who are providing instructional support in Title I, Part A program.