Position:    Special Education Paraprofessional

Campus: Dickinson High School

Wage/Hour Status: Not Exempt

Immediate Supervisor(s): Campus Principal and Teacher(s) Assigned

Pay Grade: Per Compensation Manual  

Days Employed: Per Compensation Manual

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Assist the special education teacher in providing for the instructional, physical, behavioral, and emotional needs of students with disabilities
• Assist in the implementation of self-help, hygiene, behavior management, prosocial skills, instructional programs, small group practice, and data collection
• Attend professional development relevant to the assignment
• Work under the general supervision of the principal and under the immediate direction of the certified teacher assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must have completed at least 30 college hours; or
• Obtained an associate’s  (or higher) degree; or
• Meet formal academic assessment as required by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as demonstrated through a formal State or local academic assessment
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate
• Participate in and successfully complete/maintain crisis intervention/restraint training
• Participate in and successfully complete training for FERPA, HIPAA & TBSI

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions with good interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well with students and staff

Experience: 

• Experience working with children
• Experience working with students with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual, developmental, emotional, behavioral, or physical disabilities (preferred)

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Instructional:

• Assist &/or supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside of the classroom in various educational environments (e.g. classroom, bus line, cafeteria, gym, restroom, playground). This can include assigned duty stations throughout the campus.
• Assist teachers and follow teacher instructions in the preparation and management of instructional materials, learning stations, data collection, student schedules, and related student supports
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop academic, behavioral, personal care, and/or motor skills
• Conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher, including modifying work appropriately and collecting data
• Assist substitute teachers by relaying the specific daily student and classroom information
• Recognize differences in student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly and keep teachers (including substitute teachers) informed of special needs or concerns of the assigned student(s)
• Assist teachers by utilizing tools to promote positive student outcomes using visual strategies for instruction, preventative positive behavioral supports, assistive technology, and communication systems/strategies
• Help meet and manage the behavior of assigned student(s) using positive behavior supports and collecting data as determined by the teacher
• Use de-escalation techniques to intervene in crisis situations and Crisis Prevention and Intervention training required to assist with managing a student who is in danger of hurting himself or others
• Help meet and manage the physical needs of the student(s) such as transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting and positioning, and assisting with other physical needs
• Help meet and manage the personal care needs of the student(s) such as feeding, toileting, needs which may include changing diapers, feminine hygiene care, and personal hygiene
• Review assigned student(s) ARD documents specifically the IEP goals and objectives, accommodations, testing requirements, and behavior intervention plans. Other documents (e.g. the FIE) may be applicable.
• Maintain required paperwork as part of this position such as daily clock-ins, a daily schedule, email communications/information, student record keeping such as logs, trackers, trials, or other forms of documentation associated with the students and your responsibilities
• Maintain an effective working relationship with colleagues and work as a team member to meet the needs of students
• Treat all students, parents, and staff with professional courtesy and respect
• Maintain FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality regarding students’ educational needs and records
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
• Physical and mental requirements are considered essential functions of this position
• Perform other duties as assigned

EXPECTATIONS OF MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students
• Motion: Frequent walking and reaching, frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to the sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (body fluids, bacteria, communicable diseases)
• Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; Ability to interact positively and proactively with students with behavioral concerns, communicate verbally and in writing, instruct and maintain emotional control under stress
• Professional Dress: Dress must be clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for his or her assignment, and in accordance with any additional standards established by his or her supervisor and approved by the Superintendent.  During work hours, visible body piercings (except earrings) will not be allowed.  Visible tattoos will be covered at all times

EVALUATIONS: 

• Performance of this position will be evaluated annually