Middle School Life Skills Paraprofessional

Job Title: Special Education Aide
Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt
Reports to: Principal and teacher(s)
Dept./School: Assigned Campus

Primary Purpose:

Help special education teacher provide for physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in special education setting in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or GED
• 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
• Knowledge of general office equipment as well as technology equipment

Experience:

• Experience working with children preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom
• Helo with inventory, care and maintenance of equipment
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers

Student Management

• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting or positioning
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs and persoanl hygiene
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed. Restraint should only be used in crisis situations and only as a last resort. Complete restraint documentation and contact supervisor within 24 hours of restraint.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative and emotional needs
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This may include the lunchroom, bus and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality
• Partcipate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilties:

• None

Equipment Used

• Wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, iPads, copier, sensory equipment, audiovisual equipment, etc.

Working Conditions:

Mental and Physical Demands / Environmental Factors:

• Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases. May be required to life and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students.