Instructional Aide - Special Education

Job Title: Special Education Instructional Aide Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt Reports to: Principal Date Revised: October 2022 Dept./School: Assigned Campus Summary: Help meet physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and outside classroom. Work under immediate direction of certified teacher and general supervision of principal. Qualifications/Education: High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate Have met formal academic assessment, associate’s degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning (2 years defined as completion of 48 semester hours) Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate Some experience working with children Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to work with children with disabilities Ability to communicate effectively, and work cooperatively with others. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions Ability to demonstrate tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents, and visitors to the school. Knowledge of general office equipment Ability to provide virtual/distance learning to students via Google Classroom and other multimedia options in response to pandemics, natural disasters, catastrophic events, etc. Major Responsibilities and Duties: Instructional SupportHelp 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 ManagementAssist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene. Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s). Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed. Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly. Work with assigned student(s) 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, pickup, and playground duty. OtherMaintain confidentiality. Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance. Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures. Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities:None Equipment Used: Computer, telephone, printer, copier, fax machine, calculator, standard instructional equipment, and peripherals, standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students. Working Conditions: Occasional absences are understood but regular attendance is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is subject to moderate standing, reaching, sitting, frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting, and frequent walking. Regular 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. May lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment. Employee may work inside and may work outside and may be subject to extreme weather. Regular exposure to noise. The employee must maintain emotional control under stress; and work with frequent interruptions; may work prolonged or irregular hours. Employee maybe subject to biological hazards. In accordance with TEA regulations, STET/HMPS will provide virtual/distance learning when it is necessary. This platform will be conducted either from a classroom or a location other than the school building, as approved by the Superintendent. Employee will be subject to virtual/distance learning policies and procedures as set forth in the employee handbook. STET/HMPS considers applications for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital status, veteran or military status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.