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.