Applied Skills Special Education Paraprofessional- Elementary

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to contribute to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Qualifications

• 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 (if college hours are not held, an academic assessment is available once hired)
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate (obtained once hired)

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

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests, and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies, distributes, and uses educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• May assist in the training of other paraprofessionals.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Participates in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Follows district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Tools/Equipment Used

Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students.

Physical Demands

• 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

Environmental Factors

• 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.

Schedule

Full-Time, 10-month/181 Days