Special Education Aide (Alternative Learning Environment)

Primary Purpose

To provide assistance to students with disabilities under the direct supervision of a certified Special Education Teacher. Assist in preparing, conducting, and managing of classroom activities.

Qualifications

• Education/Certification:
  • High School Diploma or GED and meet one of the following requirements:
    • Completion of 48 credit hours from an accredited institution of higher education
    • Possess an associate (or higher) degree
    • Passing score on the paraprofessional assessment
  • Must qualify for the required paraprofessional certificate (Educational Aide I) and meet the following requirements for certification: experience working with students or parents as approved by the employing superintendent — experience may be work in church related schools, day camps, youth groups, private schools, licensed day-care centers, or similar experience.
• Special Knowledge/Skills:
  • Ability to work with students with disabilities
  • Ability to communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents orally and in writing
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
  • Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to use basic computer skills to include Microsoft Office Software

Major Responsibilities and Duties

• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information regarding students.
• Assist students in using adaptive/assistive equipment as indicated in the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Assist students with integration of technology and educational media into the daily instruction under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Assist in the implementation, monitoring, and documenting student IEP under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Work with small groups of students or individual students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher and supervised by special education teacher.
• Act as a positive role model for students concerning communication and social skills.
• Reinforce instruction provided by the teacher to increase independence in social skills, personal care skills, and behavioral skills.
• Assist teacher(s) during field trips and/or community-based learning activities.
• Assist the special education teacher in preparing and managing classroom instructional materials and adapting materials to meet the individualized needs of students.
• Supervise students' arrival and departure from the classroom and/or bus, checking with the bus monitor on student concerns to relate to the teacher, assists students during transitions, with Physical Education (PE), elective classes, cafeteria, monitoring playground and other activities.
• Assist with the physical need of the student in personal hygiene.
• Assist in the implementation of the teacher's classroom discipline plan and/or individual student's behavior management plan.
• Actively participate in staff development related to instructional programs, instructional strategies, adaptive-assistive devices, community-based instruction, disabling conditions and related disorders, social skills training, CPI, Heart Saver CPR in Schools, personal care, and work with students with disabilities as well as others needed to perform job duties.
• Gain an understanding of different types of mental and physical disabilities and how to assist students in learning basic behavioral, social, and functional living skills, through staff development and mentoring.
• Attend staff development and mentoring to gain an understanding of different types of mental and physical disabilities and how to assist students in learning basic behavioral, social, and functional living skills.
• Work in a cooperative manner with teachers and other professionals.
• Follow directives regarding student needs and instructional program.
• Communicate consistently and effectively using electronic media to include email, returning phone calls, etc.
• Demonstrate the ability to attend work on a regular and routine basis to avoid disruption to district operations.
• Provide optimal customer service to all students, employees, parents, community members, and any other stakeholders of the district.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the appropriate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Equipment Used

Instructional aids, adaptive-assistive equipment, audio-visual equipment, wheelchair lift, ramps, computer, printer, and copier.

Working Conditions

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting and/or standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Work prolonged or irregular hours; work inside/outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Terms of Employment

Primary Location: Anthony High School
Clerical/Paraprofessional Plan/Pay Grade 3
Term of Employment: 182 days/40 hours per week