Special Education Teaching Assistant

Overview

University Instructors is recruiting for immediate placement of dynamic special education classroom aides to support our local partner district. As an aide or paraprofessional, you will directly impact students in special education programs. You will also partner with teachers to provide instruction, behavior management, and primary care to students.

This position is responsible for providing assistance to students under the supervision of certificated staff in Behavior Intervention Programs and other learning environments where behavior program-placed students are integrated.

• Assist students in one-to-one and small group settings to provide additional learning support for instructional areas including vocabulary, writing, reading, library, math, social studies, natural and computer science, and special needs
• Assist students in dealing with conflict, expressing themselves in appropriate ways, and improving their behavior
• Assist students with any areas of speech/language affecting successful communication
• Assist teachers in the preparation of learning materials, including making copies, bulletin boards, and visual learning aids
• Assist students with special needs, skills improvement, behavior techniques, and other activities
• Assist students with gross and fine motor strengthening programs and activities
• Assist student with making speech sounds; improving rhythm, fluency, and voice quality; and helping correct oral motor problems and cognitive communication impairments
• Assist students with vision-related training
• Assist students with wheelchair mobility, dressing, and feeding
• Supervise and correct students as necessary to maintain a safe environment, with a focus on Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports
• Assist in recreational, playground, and/or physical education activities
• Coordinate activities and meet with teachers on a regular basis
• Administer tests and evaluate student progress in topical area and grade assignments and tests as directed
• Assist teachers in the maintenance of student records and grades
• Supervise students and enforce assigned area rules
• Supervise and oversee student activities and safety in assigned areas
• May answer phones, assist visitors, maintain records, collect and distribute materials, inventory, and order and process materials
• May escort students to and from locations
• Collect and maintain data logs regarding student’s learning goals
• Use computers and related technologies as needed by the program goals
• Attend meetings or trainings as required, with emphasis on behavioral intervention and student de-escalation
• Maintain consistent presence at assigned worksite and regular work hours
• Professionally interact with students, staff, and the public
• Comply with all district policies and procedures
• Perform related duties as assigned

We are seeking individuals who have relevant experience working with special education students. Additionally, you must hold a high school diploma, or its recognized equivalent (i.e., GED) and hold one of the following:

• Parapro Assessment with a score of 455 or higher
• A bachelor’s degree
• An associate degree
• Two years of study at an institution of higher education with at least 48 semester or 72 quarter credit hours completed from a regionally accredited institution

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee is confined to a work area; required to have precise control of fingers and hand movements; experiences constant interruptions and inflexible deadlines; and must be able to stoop, crouch, crawl, bend, kneel, stand for periods of time, and lift to assist a student with personal care/safety.

This position emphasizes work with students who have been recommended to be serviced by a Behavior Intervention Program (BIP). These programs focus on behavioral responses to stress, positive socializations, and appropriate interactions. This includes behavioral intervention plans, behavior goals, behavioral modeling, exposure to verbal/physical escalations, and potential for serious…