PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist the special education teacher to provide for the physical, behavioral, and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting, and also assists the special education teacher in the delivery of services while implementing the student’s individual education plan.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification Requirements

• High school graduate or GED equivalent
• Minimum of forty-eight (48) semester college; an Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university; or have met formal academic assessment as required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) *Details about ESSA classes are available here https://www.esc20.net/apps/pages/paraprofessional
• Eligible to obtain an Educational Aide certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification
• CPR, First Aid and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Certified; to be completed within 90 days of employment
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check 

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Proficient in basic computer skills, computer literacy programs, Internet, and Microsoft Office applications
• Proficient in typing, keyboarding, word processing, and file maintenance skills
• Knowledge of office procedures and machines
• Effective organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills with students, staff and community members
• Ability to remain calm in a stressful situation
• Ability to file books following district cataloging system
• Health and physical qualifications appropriate for the demands of the position 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.) 

• Attend and document on-going in-service or other staff development activities related to students with disabilities
• Assist with the preparation of instructional materials for the classroom
• Accompany special education groups on field trips
• Assist with the supervision and monitoring of students throughout the school day outside of the classroom, including the cafeteria, playground, physical education classes, boarding and exiting the bus, on community-based activities and other assigned activities.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.  May be required to change diapers
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning
• Assist in the training of students’ self-help skills
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students
• Assist handicapped students in job training/employment and company-based instructional setting as appropriate
• Follow District Guidelines in maintaining classroom management, discipline and student information confidentiality
• Provide a safe learning environment for the educational program
• Help manage students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed
• Assist with implementation of a student’s behavior intervention plan (BIP) to include daily data collection/documentation
• After appropriate training, utilize de-escalation techniques/strategies
• Operate office equipment as well as adaptive/assistive devices for students
• Participate in training on augmentative communication devices per the student’s IEP
• Assist teachers and students in use of computers, printers, and instructional software
• Help with record keeping, health routines, lunchroom and playground activities
• SHARS duties as assigned
• Accompany classes on field trips
• Report immediately all accidents involving students and/or staff to appropriate officials
• Perform other duties as assigned, based on campus needs 
• Must complete designated district technology proficiencies each year
• Requires a basic knowledge of technology/computer skills
• Ability to use personal computer to access district programs, emails, and other resources
• Complete tasks in a timely manner
• Maintain a consistent professional demeanor and appearance
• Ensure compliance with the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job
• Performs other duties as assigned by campus administration (i.e. including but not limited to bus duty, lunch duty, etc.) 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

Supervision and evaluation of district personnel is not a requirement of the position; however, the supervision of students is required.

Equipment Used: 

• Office equipment – personal computer, printer, calculator, multi-line telephone, software programs and peripherals, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position 

Mental Demands:

• Ability to read, concentrate, communicate (verbally and written), interpret, reason, understand verbal instructions, memorize, coordinate, compile, compute
• Work with frequent interruptions and maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands:

• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ramps, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity, distinguishing colors, driving, traveling
• Occasional: Lifting, heavy, 45 pounds or more 

Environmental Factors:

• Frequent exposure to temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination, vibration
• Occasional exposure to biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.)
• Work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces Work alone, work prolonged or irregular hours

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.