Special Education Instructional Assistant (18 + Program at MDLC) - Paraprofessional - Special Education Dept. (C4)

Reports to: Campus Principal & Assigned Teacher(s); Days/Dates: 187 Primary Purpose: To provide general support to teachers and students by assisting with instructional needs and facilitating work-based learning experiences within the community and district. This position supports the implementation of transition-related activities, including instruction in daily living skills, social skills, functional academics, and behavior management. The role also assists students in developing job readiness and employment skills through community-based learning and work experiences. Qualifications: Education/Certification: • High school diploma or GED • 48 college hours or have met formal academic assessment as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) • Valid Texas educational aide certificate (School District will assist to obtain) • Valid driver's license with driving record that meets District requirements Special Knowledge/Skills: • Ability to work with young adults with disabilities • Knowledge of job training and development • Ability to exercise judgment in handling student behaviors and in assessing student skill level • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions • Ability to communicate effectively • Knowledge of general office equipment Experience: • Some experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred • Major Responsibilities and Duties: Instructional Support 1. Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom resources. 2. Document student progress regularly and maintain accurate records. 3. Assist in matching students with appropriate work-based learning opportunities and developing job leads. 4. Help maintain a neat, safe, and organized classroom and work environment. 5. Assist with the inventory, care, and maintenance of instructional materials and equipment. 6. Represent the district professionally through effective verbal and written communication. Student Management 7. Provide instructional support to students in work-based learning environments. 8. Provide instructional support to individuals and small groups in the classroom and community. 9. Assist students with physical disabilities according to their individual needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, and mobility assistance. 10. Assist students with personal care needs, including feeding, toileting, personal hygiene, and other activities of daily living, as needed. 11. Assist in managing student behavior by implementing behavior support strategies and intervening in crisis situations to de-escalate disruptive or unsafe behaviors, as appropriate. 12. Learn and adapt to each student's individual medical, physical, communication, behavioral, and emotional needs. 13. Work with individual students or small groups to develop functional and vocational skills and implement instructional activities as directed by the teacher. 14. Supervise students throughout their school day in community-based instructional settings and other school environments. 15. Collaborate with the teacher and other staff members to support individual student needs and promote student success. Other 16. Maintain the confidentiality of student, staff, and district information in accordance with district policies and applicable laws. 17. Safely operate district vehicles to transport students and/or staff to community-based instruction, work-based learning sites, and other approved educational activities. 18. Complete any required training (provided by the district) regarding safely operating a district vehicle. 19. Obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if required for the position. District-provided training will be available, as applicable. 20. Participate in professional development, staff meetings, faculty meetings, and other district activities as assigned. 21. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities None. Equipment Used: To include things such as a wheelchair lift, ramp, computer, copier, and basic technology equipment Working Conditions Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Maintain emotional control under stress. Traveling extensively during school hours with students to local businesses and community settings. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. Potential biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases. - The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. I have read and understand the responsibilities and duties required for this position as outlined above Employee Signature Date Supervisor Signature Date

Primary Purpose:

To provide general support to teachers and students by assisting with instructional needs and facilitating work-based learning experiences within the community and district. This position supports the implementation of transition-related activities, including instruction in daily living skills, social skills, functional academics, and behavior management. The role also assists students in developing job readiness and employment skills through community-based learning and work experiences.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or GED
• 48 college hours or have met formal academic assessment as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate (School District will assist to obtain)
• Valid driver's license with driving record that meets District requirements

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work with young adults with disabilities
• Knowledge of job training and development
• Ability to exercise judgment in handling student behaviors and in assessing student skill level
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

• Some experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred
• •

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

• Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom resources.
• Document student progress regularly and maintain accurate records.
• Assist in matching students with appropriate work-based learning opportunities and developing job leads.
• Help maintain a neat, safe, and organized classroom and work environment.
• Assist with the inventory, care, and maintenance of instructional materials and equipment.
• Represent the district professionally through effective verbal and written communication.

Student Management

• Provide instructional support to students in work-based learning environments.
• Provide instructional support to individuals and small groups in the classroom and community.
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their individual needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, and mobility assistance.
• Assist students with personal care needs, including feeding, toileting, personal hygiene, and other activities of daily living, as needed.
• Assist in managing student behavior by implementing behavior support strategies and intervening in crisis situations to de-escalate disruptive or unsafe behaviors, as appropriate.
• Learn and adapt to each student's individual medical, physical, communication, behavioral, and emotional needs.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop functional and vocational skills and implement instructional activities as directed by the teacher.
• Supervise students throughout their school day in community-based instructional settings and other school environments.
• Collaborate with the teacher and other staff members to support individual student needs and promote student success.

Other

• Maintain the confidentiality of student, staff, and district information in accordance with district policies and applicable laws.
• Safely operate district vehicles to transport students and/or staff to community-based instruction, work-based learning sites, and other approved educational activities.
• Complete any required training (provided by the district) regarding safely operating a district vehicle.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if required for the position. District-provided training will be available, as applicable.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, faculty meetings, and other district activities as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Equipment Used:

To include things such as a wheelchair lift, ramp, computer, copier, and basic technology equipment

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Traveling extensively during school hours with students to local businesses and community settings. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. Potential biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.

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The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

I have read and understand the responsibilities and duties required for this position as outlined above

Employee Signature Date

Supervisor Signature Date