Position: Special Education Behavior/Instructional Paraprofessional
Campus: Laird Elementary School
Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt
Immediate Supervisor(s): Campus Principal and Executive Director of Special Programs
Pay Grade: Per Compensation Manual
Days Employed: Per Compensation Manual
POSITION SUMMARY:
- Provide direct student assistance for physical and instructional needs in a special/general education setting
- Implement the CPI framework for crisis prevention, verbal de-escalation and physical restraints
- Assist as directed with classroom programs, self-help/self-care, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the director, principal, and immediate direction of a certified teacher.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Must have completed at least 30 college hours; OR
- Met a rigorous standard of quality, demonstrated through a formal State or local academic assessment
- Valid Texas educational aide certificate
- Current CPI training
Special Required Knowledge/Skills to meet Essential Functions:
- Ability to work with children who have emotional and behavioral disabilities while maintaining a calm demeanor
- Ability to communicate effectively, including maintaining descriptive behavioral data
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
- Must be willing to participate in and successfully complete/maintain crisis intervention training
- Must be able to effectively manage the mental demands and stress associated with the responsibilities and duties listed below
- Must be willing to participate in and successfully complete TBSI Training
- Physical ability to lift/maneuver students with significantly impaired independent mobility or who are engaged in behavior that is endangering self/others
- Knowledge of general office equipment and MS Office and Google Drive systems
Experience:
- Recent experience working with students with emotional, and behavioral disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual/developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Student Management:
- Assist with the behavior management of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations, restraining dangerous students as needed, and recording data.
- Work with individual students or small groups to develop pro-social, school-appropriate behavioral skills and conduct instructional exercises supervised by the classroom teacher, including modifying work appropriately
- Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs, including alternative forms of communication such as pictures, signs, gestures, and special equipment
- Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning(Minimum of 50 lbs.)
- Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
- Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher, including modifying work appropriately
- Help supervise students through the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This may include student supervision on the bus and other school settings (lunchroom, playground, gym, etc)
- Keep the teacher informed of the special needs of individual students
- Support and participate in extracurricular activities, as needed
Instructional Support:
- Assist the teacher and follow teacher instructions in the preparation of instructional materials
- Assist with restoring the classroom setting as needed following classroom disruption incidents
- Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment
- Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers regarding the special needs of the assigned student (s)
Other:
- Maintain FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality
- Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
- Perform other duties as assigned
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS PER PROGRAM:
Individual Student Paraprofessional Requirements:
- Maintain structure and a schedule for students
- Assist students with behavioral, physical, or academic tasks
- Lifting and restroom assistance (may include assistance with feminine hygiene)
- Demonstrate a willingness to be coached on specific interventions for managing the student''s academics, behavior, and daily activities
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to set up academic and technology supports that are individualized for the students
- Maintain a professional rapport with the student''s teachers, campus administration, and director by asking relevant questions about support or assistance
- Demonstrate proficiency in operating a Hoyer lift and related equipment
- Physically transport the student from one location to the next
EQUIPMENT USED:
- A wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
- Variable work environments and daily schedule
- Maintain emotional control under stress
- Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. The strength required to operate the Hoyer lift and related equipment.
- Frequent long-distance walks are required for transitioning students between classrooms
- Must be able to physically restrain a child, as well as use hand-over-hand techniques
- Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable disease