Behavioral Support Paraprofessional

Reports to: Campus Principal

Primary Purpose

Assist teachers in providing students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth; enable students to develop competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate

Skills

• Ability to work with children with special needs
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of classroom technology
• Willing to be trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention Strategies

Responsibilities

Instructional Support

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

Student Management

• Provide direct support to students in a classroom by delivering instruction and ensuring learning through a variety of co-teaching models and strategies
• Provide and supervise personal care and medical care
• Work with students with disabilities in all educational settings individually and/or groups to provide instructional support
• Implement the instructional plan as developed with the classroom teacher as it pertains to the core curriculum; monitor and adjust the instructional plan based on student needs
• Convey knowledge that is accurate and current
• Implement strategies and accommodations as developed with the classroom teacher as it pertains to the student's Individual Education Program and Emergency Health Plans, monitoring student safety in various educational settings
• Maintain a log/schedule providing support to students with disabilities within the inclusive, resource, and self-contained classrooms
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom
• Perform non-complex health procedures, implement Individual Health Plans as applicable, attend necessary non-complex health training as prescribed by Board Policy and state law
• Lift and position students as applicable
• Implement strategies that reinforce positive student behavior; work closely with the classroom teacher to implement effective behavior supports and behavior plans as applicable
• Positively interact when the student is inappropriate to redirect attention to task
• Assist students in using computer applications and related assistive technology
• Keep teachers informed of special needs or problems of individual students

Other

• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
• Comply with district policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations
• Adhere to the district's safety policies and procedures
• Maintain confidentiality in the conduct of district business
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of walking and interacting with students and/or district employees in the specific worksite assignment
• Demonstrate regular and prompt attendance
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions

Mental Demands

• Reading
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written)
• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Coordinate district-wide curriculum functions
• Interpret policy, procedures, and data
• Follow behavior intervention plans and procedures

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, reaching
• Moving small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom or adaptive equipment
• Repetitive hand motions
• Prolonged use of computer terminal possible
• Occasional district-wide travel
• Frequent prolonged and irregular hours
• Possible biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus
• Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)
• Occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or over) and positioning of students with physical disabilities
• Controlling behavior through physical restraint
• Assisting non-ambulatory students and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Exposure to the sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather
• Exposure to noise

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.