Applied Skills Special Education Paraprofessional

Applied Skills Special Education Paraprofessional

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Education:

High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Have met formal academic assessment, associate's degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning (if college hours are not held, an academic assessment is available once hired). Valid Texas educational aide certificate (obtained once hired).

Special Knowledge and

Skills:

Ability to work with children with disabilities. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to communicate effectively. Knowledge of general office equipment.

Experience:

Experience working with children preferred.

Major

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• May assist in the training of other paraprofessionals.

Other:
Maintain confidentiality. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. Other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
Tools/Equipment Used:
Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students. Posture:
Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting. Motion:
Frequent walking and reaching. Lifting:
Frequent lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds);
Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over), positioning of students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment. Environment:
Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases). Mental Demands:
Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

Note:

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Position Type:
Full-Time Days: 10-month/181 Days Pay Grade: 201