Job Title: Paraprofessional-Inclusive Practices

Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Principal

Pay Grade:  CP2

Dept./School: Assigned Campus

Date Revised:  4/06/2023

Annual Work Days Scheduled:  187

Primary Purpose:

Under the supervision of a certified special education teacher, assists with the physical, social, emotional, and instructional needs of students with disabilities in the general education, bilingual and/or special education resource setting. Assist in the implementation of classroom programs for instruction, self-help and behavior management. Work under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of the general and/or special education teacher(s). Inclusive practices services are provided by paraprofessionals within the general education setting, and can encompass a wide range of supports including, but not limited to, direct/in-class support (ICS) within a general education setting, indirect support to general education staff on behalf of the student, and/or services in a special education resource setting.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Texas Education Aide Certification Preferred

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work well with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written directives
• Ability to  communicate effectively
• Bilingual (preferred)

Experience:

• Two years experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Instructional Support

1. Adapt instructional materials under the direction of the teacher
2. Work one-one-one and/or in small groups as directed by the teacher
3. Collect data regarding student progress
4. Assist teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
5. Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
6. Help with inventory, care and maintenance of equipment.
7. Help teacher keep administrative records and prepared required reports
8. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.  

Social, Emotional, Behavioral, Functional Support

1. Help manage the behavior of assigned students.  This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
2. Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
3. Assist students with disabilities according to individual needs for instruction (primary), transferring to and from wheelchair, lifting, positioning, signing, and other needs as assigned.
4. Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special academic (primary), medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
5. Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher as needed.
6. Assist in supervising students throughout the day; inside and outside the classroom; in the cafeteria, in the hallway, at the drop-off/pick-up line and bus stop, on the bus, on the playground, on field trips; before and after school hours when in the school’s care; and at other times and locations as assigned.
7. Keep teachers informed of special needs or problems of assigned students.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Maintain familiarity with district curriculum and initiatives to better serve the needs of students.

  Other

1. May be required to assist with specialized services on occasion such as, ISET, RESET, ECSE, CANS, and/or SAILS.     
2. Maintain confidentiality

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

General Employee Requirements:

• Quality of Work – complete assignments meeting quality standards, to include accuracy, neatness, thoroughness and adherence to standards and safety rules.
• Quantity of Work – demonstrate the ability to manage several responsibilities simultaneously, perform work in a productive and timely manner, and meet work schedules.
• Work Habits – display a positive, cooperative attitude toward work assignments, working diligently to accomplish tasks assigned.
• Communication – communicate in a positive manner with others, to include listening and responding appropriately, expressing ideas orally and in writing in a manner that helps build a positive climate for the organization.
• Dependability – adhere to time frames, monitor projects and exercise follow-through, be on time for meetings and appointments, and respond appropriately to instructions and procedures. 
• Cooperation – work well with co-workers and supervisors as a contributing team member, demonstrate consideration of and maintain rapport with others, and help others willingly.
• Initiative – seek and assume greater responsibility, monitor projects independently as required, and follow through appropriately.
• Adaptability – adjust well to any change in duties, procedures, supervisors or work environment, accept new ideas and approaches to work, and respond appropriately to constructive criticism and suggestions for work improvement.
• Judgment – effectively analyze problems, determine appropriate action for solutions, and use logical thinking to exhibit timely and decisive action.        
• Attendance – attend work on a consistent basis, taking care to consider the use and number of absences in accordance with policy so that the organization is not negatively impacted.
• Punctuality – arrive to work and depart from work according to department and district requirements.

Working Conditions:

Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; wheelchair lift, ramp, and other instructional equipment that may be required by student need

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

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist non ambulatory students, and lift and move adaptive and other classroom equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. 

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above job description and am capable of performing all of the stated requirements

Salary : $14 - $19