Life Skills Aide

About the Role

Assist the special education teacher in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting. Support 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.

Responsibilities

• Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist students with physical disabilities, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
• Support students with physical needs and personal care, such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage student behavior, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous behavior as needed.
• Adapt to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Supervise students throughout the school day, including in the lunchroom, bus, and playground.
• Keep the teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate.
• Ability to work with children with disabilities.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Effective communication skills.
• Knowledge of general office equipment.
• Some experience working with children.

Skills

• Experience with wheelchair lifts, ramps, personal computers, copiers, and audiovisual equipment.

Working Conditions

• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students.
• Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.
• Maintain emotional control under stress.

Schedule

178 school days per year.