Behavior Learning Paraprofessional

Position: Special Education Behavior/Instructional Paraprofessional

Campus: Dunbar Middle 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