Paraprofessional SPED Self-Contained Behavior (Immediate Start) Lowe ES

Primary Purpose

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a self‑contained classroom. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self‑help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate
• Completed formal academic assessment, associate’s degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning*
• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment
• Some experience working with children

Responsibilities

• Instructional Support: Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays; maintain a neat and orderly classroom; assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment; keep administrative records and prepare required reports; provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Student Management: Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, and personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and hygiene; keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students; manage behavior, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed; recognize differences in each student’s medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods accordingly; 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, inside and outside the classroom, including lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Other Duties: Maintain confidentiality; participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned; follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Physical and Environmental Demands

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 lb); occasional heavy lifting (45 lb or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non‑ambulatory students, 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.