Student Support Assistant – Autism Services

Part-time Description

Employment Status: Part-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Reports to: Principal

Benefits: Part-time benefits may vary based on employment status and location.

The Student Support Assistant – Autism Services fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by providing individualized support to students with autism and related learning, behavioral, communication, and social needs in a loving, Christ-centered environment. The Student Support Assistant works collaboratively with classroom teachers, administration, families, and other professionals to help students access the academic, social, behavioral, and spiritual life of the school.

The Student Support Assistant supports the implementation of strategies, accommodations, routines, and interventions designed to promote student success, independence, self-regulation, communication, positive relationships, and participation in the classroom and school community. The position is designed to support students within the least restrictive and most inclusive environment appropriate to their individual needs while maintaining the dignity and respect of each child.

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Supports and adheres to the policies and procedures of the school and Archdiocese of San Antonio, including the Religious Standards for Catholic School Employees.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding students, families, school matters, and student records.
• Adheres to safety training and protocols on a daily basis and takes precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of self and others.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality regarding student information, educational records, services, family information, and other sensitive matters.
• Adheres to the Code of Conduct and Faith and Moral Policy.
• Takes a solution-oriented approach in interactions and undertakings and promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Provide individualized support to students with autism as directed by the classroom teacher and/or administrator.
• Assist students in accessing classroom instruction, assignments, activities, and assessments.
• Support students in developing and maintaining appropriate classroom routines and expectations.
• Provide assistance with transitions between classrooms, activities, locations, and school routines.
• Support students in developing independence and self-advocacy skills rather than creating unnecessary dependence on adult assistance.
• Reinforce appropriate communication, social interaction, and peer relationships.
• Assist students in developing appropriate self-regulation and coping strategies.
• Provide support during periods of frustration, dysregulation, or challenging behavior using school-approved strategies and procedures.
• Implement behavioral and instructional strategies as directed by the classroom teacher, administrator, or appropriate professional.
• Assist students in following visual schedules, task sequences, organizational systems, and other supports designed to increase independence.
• Provide appropriate prompting and gradually reduce assistance as student independence develops.
• Support students during less structured settings, including arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, specials, assemblies, Mass, field trips, and other school activities.
• Assist with personal care, hygiene, health, and safety needs when required and appropriate to the student's individual needs.
• Monitor student safety and communicate concerns promptly to the appropriate staff member.
• Encourage participation in the academic, social, and spiritual life of the school community.

• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers to provide appropriate support within the classroom environment.
• Assist teachers in adapting or organizing instructional materials and activities to support student access and participation.
• Help students begin, sustain, and complete classroom assignments and…