Job Title: Instructional Assistant- Special Education, Sefl Contained

Reports to: Campus Principal / Special Education Teacher 

Dept.: Assigned Campus 

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: CP3 

Calendar: 178

Primary Purpose: Help meet the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a variety of settings; including self-contained and general education classrooms based on the needs of the student(s). Assist in the implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instructional programs, and assistive technology. Work under the general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher. Work with related service providers in the implementation of students’ IEPs.

Qualifications: 

Education/Certification: 

• Associate’s degree preferred
• Two years of study at an Institution of Higher Learning, or have met formal academic assessment as required by the No Child Left Behind Act 
• Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate 

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: 

• Experience working with children or adults in providing self-care, or behavior supports preferred.

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

Instructional Support

1. Help teachers prepare instructional materials and student learning- support materials.
2. Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
3. Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
4. Help teacher keeps administrative records and prepare required reports.
5. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
6. Assist with implementation and data tracking of individual student Behavior Intervention Plans.

Student Management

1. Assist 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.
2. Help manage the behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
3. Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
4. Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
5. Help supervise program students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
6. Keep the teacher informed of the special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

1. Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate an understanding of FERPA in all environments.
2. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
3. Other duties as assigned.
4. All job duties must be performed on site. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking and reaching; may be required to implement Crisis  Prevention and Intervention Restraint 

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

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.

Little Elm ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Additionally, the District does not discriminate against an employee or applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminatory employment practice. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Little Elm no discrimina a ningún empleado o candidato a empleo por razón de raza, color, religión, sexo, nacionalidad, edad, incapacidad, estatus militar, información genética o de cualquier otra razón prohibida por ley. Además,  el  distrito  escolar  no  discrimina  a  ningún  empleado  o  candidato  a  empleo  que  actúa  oponiéndose  a  ese  tipo  de discriminaciones o que participe en la investigación de una queja relacionada con alguna práctica discriminatoria en la contratación. La toma de decisiones respecto a una contratación se hará en función de las calificaciones, experiencia y habilidades del candidato.