Life Skills Aide

Life Skills Aide

Reports To:

Building Principal/Assistant Building Principal or Designee

Employment Status:
Full-Time, 186 Days, FLSA Non-Exempt

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Ohio Certification/Licensure by the State of Ohio, Department of Education, as required
• Previous experience working with children or students with physical, cognitive, developmental, or other disabilities is desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, teachers, related service providers, and parents.
• Patience, empathy, flexibility, and a genuine interest in supporting students with disabilities and promoting their independence.
• Ability to follow directions, maintain confidentiality, and uphold professional standards.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a special education team and follow individualized student plans and supports.
• Ability to assist students with personal care and physical needs in a respectful and dignified manner.
• Ability to safely assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, and other physical needs as directed and trained.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with educational technology tools.
• Valid Ohio Driver's License
• Must pass criminal background check

General Description:

The Life Skills Aide provides direct support to students with physical, cognitive, developmental, and/or other disabilities within the educational setting. The Life Skills Aide works under the direction of the classroom teacher and special education staff to assist students in accessing instruction, developing independence, participating in classroom and school activities, and safely navigating the school environment. The position may include one-on-one support, personal care assistance, mobility assistance, classroom transitions, and implementation of individualized supports as directed by the student's educational team.

Essential Functions:

• Provide individualized, one-on-one or small group support to students with physical, cognitive, developmental, and/or other disabilities as directed by the classroom teacher and special education staff.
• Assist students in accessing and participating in classroom instruction, activities, assignments, and school-wide activities.
• Support students in developing independence and functional life skills by encouraging students to participate in tasks to the greatest extent possible.
• Assist students with transitions between classrooms, activities, transportation areas, the cafeteria, restrooms, playgrounds, and other areas of the school as needed.
• Provide assistance with personal care needs, including restroom use, hygiene, dressing, feeding, and other daily living activities as appropriate and directed by the student's educational team.
• Assist students with mobility and physical needs, including walking, positioning, transferring, and use of adaptive equipment or mobility devices, as trained and directed.
• Maintain the dignity, privacy, safety, and confidentiality of students while providing personal care and physical assistance.
• Follow and implement student-specific supports, accommodations, and strategies outlined in IEPs, behavior plans, health plans, and other individualized plans as directed by appropriate staff.
• Assist teachers and related service providers in implementing educational, behavioral, communication, and functional skill activities.
• Monitor students closely to ensure their safety and well-being during instructional activities, transitions, personal care, transportation, and non-instructional periods.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized learning environment that meets the individual needs of students.
• Support students in developing appropriate social, communication, behavioral, and self-help skills.
• Reinforce classroom expectations, routines, and appropriate behaviors in accordance with teacher direction, student plans, and district policies.
• Observe and communicate relevant information regarding student progress, behavior, physical needs, concerns, and achievements to the appropriate teacher or supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information, educational records, medical information, and other matters related to students and families.
• Assist with the use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, communication devices, and other specialized materials as trained and directed.
• Assist students during meals and snacks as needed, including following student-specific feeding procedures and safety…