Middle School: Aide Special Education SAILS; Succeeding in Academic and Independent Living Skills

The Aide Special Education SAILS will provide direct support/services to students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings in order to access the curriculum in the student's least restrictive environment. The incumbent will assist teacher and staff in performing a variety of tasks by implementing and/or documenting the students' Individualized Education Plan, including academics, behavior, communication, social and personal care skills.

This incumbent will maintain an environment that is safe and engaging for all students. The Succeeding in Academic and Independent Living Skills (SAILS) program generally serves students with cognitive disabilities who require a curriculum focusing on (1) academic instruction based on prerequisite skills that are aligned to grade level TEKS, (2) communication/social skills, (3) independent living skills, and (4) job readiness/self-determination skills.

The Aide Special Education SAILS will provide direct support/services to students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings in order to access the curriculum in the student's least restrictive environment. The incumbent will assist teacher and staff in performing a variety of tasks by implementing and/or documenting the students' Individualized Education Plan, including academics, behavior, communication, social and personal care skills.

This incumbent will maintain an environment that is safe and engaging for all students. The Succeeding in Academic and Independent Living Skills (SAILS) program generally serves students with cognitive disabilities who require a curriculum focusing on (1) academic instruction based on prerequisite skills that are aligned to grade level TEKS, (2) communication/social skills, (3) independent living skills, and (4) job readiness/self-determination skills.

• Interact with students in a variety of settings to ensure student safety and engagement (e.g., hallways, classroom, restroom, playground, arrival / departure)
• Assist with classroom management by maintaining alert attention regarding supervision of students at all times in a variety of settings
• Execute behavioral strategies as identified by the teacher based upon ARD documents (e.g., reinforcements, consequences, contingencies). Intervene using a continuum of behavior intervention strategies, up to and including approved physical restraint when student is in danger of harming self or others.
• Implement academic / functional lessons under the guidance and direction of the teacher in a variety of settings (e.g., large group, small group, or independent practice)
• Assist students with personal care services (e.g., feeding, cleaning, dressing, lifting, positioning, transitioning, toileting, and changing) - may be more than 50% of the work day

• Record implementation of support and services on approved logs (e.g., inclusive support logs, accommodation logs)
• Routinely collect data on IEP targets and behavior (skills development and mastery) in collaboration with the teacher
• Maintain confidentiality of student information

• Prepare instructional materials under the guidance and direction of the teacher

• None

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

• Minimum of 48 college hours or passing score on the Para Professional Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Test
• Texas Educational Aide Certification preferred or required to obtain once hired
• De-Escalation/Restraint Certification preferred or required to obtain once hired (district-provided training)
• Proficient in using Windows Operating System as well as Microsoft Office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas both verbally and in writing

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the…