Specialized Special Ed Teaching Assistant - District Wide

About the role

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities predominantly in a self-contained classroom but also in an inclusion setting. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma and meet the District's formal academic assessment required by Every Student Succeeds Act
• Associate's degree (or higher) OR 48 college credit hours
• Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate
• Meet the rigorous standard of quality required by the district

Skills

• Work with students with disabilities who have difficulty with academics, behavior, social skills, and various physical needs
• Work in a variety of jobs, time schedules and with a variety of people
• Work harmoniously with student, parents, and school personnel
• Follow written and/or oral directions and exercise good judgment
• Change assignment or duties during the year to meet the needs of students as students enter or exit programs
• Travel to various locations throughout the district, if needed
• Effective verbal and written communication skills as well as a high degree of literacy and mental capabilities

Responsibilities

• Work closely with classroom teacher at campus where assigned
• Participate in District staff development programs
• Provide ongoing student support and/or assistance in the classroom
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
• Assist the student(s) in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, etc.
• Give appropriate praise and strive to ensure that each student is successful
• Intervene physically using District training and protocol when necessary to prevent student injury to self or others
• Initiate first-aid or handle emergency situations without supervision of school personnel
• Facilitate relationships between co-workers, supervisors and students
• Assist in cleaning of bodily wastes and changing diapers
• Assist in catheterization of students
• Recognize differences in each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly
• Perform simple errands and tasks for student(s) such as sharpening pencils, carrying lunch trays, accompanying student(s) to the office or nurse
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty
• Work with individual students or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher
• Assist in developing instructional materials and maintaining student files
• Maintain confidentiality
• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Ensure compliance with all local policies and state and federal statutes including the Educator Code of Ethics
• Perform such other tasks and accept such other responsibilities as may be assigned

Requirements

• Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking and reaching
• Lifting: Up to 45 pounds or over, positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat,