Job Title: Special Needs Paraprofessional -Functional Academics

Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt

Reports to: Principal and Teacher(s) Assigned

Dept./School: Robinson Intermediate School

Date Revised: 6/2024

Paraprofessional Pay Grade: 2

Immediate Opening

Primary Purpose:

Help meet the physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and outside the classroom. Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), including self-help, behavior management, and instructional programs. Work under the general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

High school diploma or GED

Valid Texas educational aide certificate or 48 hours of college credit

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Experience:

Two years experience working with children (preferred)

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Student Management

• Help meet the individual needs of students, including transferring them to and from wheelchairs, lifting and positioning them, and signing or interpreting instructions for them, etc.
• Help students take care of physical needs and personal care.
• Help manage the behavior of assigned 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 assigned students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Assist assigned students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep the teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned students.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Equipment Used:

Wheelchair lift and ramp. (Note: describe other equipment used based on the condition of a student assigned, i.e., adaptive equipment, oxygen gauges, etc.)

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students; biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.