Teacher Assistant, Autism

Job Description Job Details

Job Title:

Teacher Assistant, Autism

Evaluation Type:
Paraprofessional

Department:
Special Programs and Services

Pay Grade: P3

FLSA:
Non-Exempt

Date Revised:
August 2026

Supervisor:
Associate Director of Special Programs and Services

The Autism Program Paraprofessional is responsible for providing direct instruction to assigned students in both general education and special education settings. Paraprofessionals will help create and maintain a structured classroom environment designed to promote intellectual, emotional, and social growth, as directed by the teacher and specialist. They will deliver instruction in many areas, such as Reading, ELA, Math, Science, and Daily Living Skills.

They will be trained and required to understand basic principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), such as discrimination, differential reinforcement, extinction, shaping, etc., and trained on common functions of problem behavior and strategies to address problem behavior.

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Six months of related experience preferred

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

• Implements student instructional protocols as prescribed with high integrity as verified via direct observation by the Teacher and Specialist
• Implements student behavior protocols consistently as verified via direct observation by the Teacher and Specialist
• Records data accurately and in accordance with the IEP directed data recording schedule
• Analyzes trends in data and recommends curriculum modifications (in collaboration with Teacher and Specialist)
• Participates in all required trainings to be able to implement Applied Behavior Analysis, address problem behaviors, and ensure the safety of students – including summer institutes, as needed
• Uses and maintains student adaptive equipment and/ or augmentative devices needed for students
• Operates equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
• Participates in toilet training and other daily living activities that students are learning in the classroom/school setting.
• Remains constantly alert, attentive and ready to respond to students’ needs and any behavioral crisis.
• Interacts professionally with parents, as needed, through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, or written home-school logs.
• Remains calm, positive and composed when students engage in problem behavior
• Recognizes signs of frustration, anxiety and anger in order to implement antecedent strategies and teach alternative behaviors which may prevent problem behavior
• Utilizes approved physical management procedures as necessary to contain a student during a crisis period and to maintain student and others safe and reports such episodes to the Teacher using professional language (SAMA)
• Other related duties as assigned by the Teacher, Specialist, Campus.

• Assist teacher(s) with emotional/behavioral needs of students
• Monitor student behavior and maintain discipline as necessary, including intervening in crisis situations, and restraining aggressive and/or dangerous student behavior as needed
• Foster independence by scaffolding support as directed by the AU Teacher
• Communicate with families under the direction of the classroom teacher
• Assist in resolving parent/student issues and concerns in a timely manner
• Assist in managing student behavior in the classroom and common campus areas in…