Job Description

Life Skills Special Education Paraprofessional

Position Purpose
Help meet the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. Assist in the implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Education

• High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• Have met formal academic assessment, associate's degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning (academic assessment available once hired)
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate (once hired)
  

Special Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively

• Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

Experience working with children preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

1. Help the teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
2. Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
3. Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
4. Help the teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
5. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
6. Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, and assisting with personal care, such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
7. Keep the teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
8. Help manage the behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
9. Recognize differences in each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interactions accordingly.
10. Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
11. Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.

Other:

1. Maintain confidentiality.
2. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
3. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
4. Other duties as assigned.

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 lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over), positioning of students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory 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

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Other Information:

The District contributes $330 per month toward the cost of employee-only health insurance, which is $105 more than the state-required amount of $225/month. All employees in this position receive free treatment at any Next Level Urgent Care.

Position Type: Full-Time

Days: 10-month/181 Days

Pay Grade: 201 starting at 13.50/hr

Self-Contained special education paraprofessionals in ECSE/SLC/BSC receive a $2,000 stipend.