Special Education Aide

Job Description

Primary Purpose
 
Help special education teacher provide for physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in special education setting. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.
 
Qualifications
 
Education/Certification

High school diploma or GED
Valid paraprofessional certificate or equivalent
Meet NCLB Paraprofessional Highly Qualified Requirements

Special Knowledge/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
 
Some experience working with children
 
Major Responsibilities and Duties
 
General Responsibilities:
     1.Establishes and maintains effective working relationships within the district to ensure the district’s goals and
  objectives are met
     2. Expresses ideas and information effectively in both oral and written form
     3. Promotes campus teamwork and interdistrict teamwork
     4. Demonstrates ability to negotiate fair resolutions and solutions
     5. Read, understands and consistently applies or adheres to district policy and administrative procedure
     6. Conducts self in manner that promotes the best image of the district
     7. Knows when to seek assistance outside his or her department
     8. Plans for the effective completion of assignments and projects
     9. Adheres to priorities and deadlines
     10. Demonstrates flexibility in responding to changes in priorities and within the district
     11. Provides information to relevant audiences in a timely and effective manner
     12. Communicates clearly with others in a respectful and professional manner
     13. Effectively represents his or her department’s role as it relates to the district’s mission and goals
 
 
Instructional Support

Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management

Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

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

Supervisory Responsibilities
 
None
 
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors
 
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals
Posture: Frequent sitting; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking and reaching
Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or 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
 
 
EEOC Statement:Blanco I.S.D. will not discriminate against any person in employment or exclude any person from participating in or receiving benefits of any of its activities or programs on any basis prohibited on the bases of race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs.
 
This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

01/23/2025