26/27 Life Skills Special Education Paraprofessional

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.

Responsibilities

Instructional Support

• Help the teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help the teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• 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.
• Keep the teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Help manage the behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
• Recognize differences in each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interactions accordingly.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• 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

Benefits

• 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.

Pay

• Position Type: Full-Time
• Days: 10-month/181 Days
• Pay Grade: 201
• Self-Contained special education paraprofessionals in ECSE/SLC/BSC receive a $2,000 stipend.