Life Skills Instructor Aide

About the Employer

es-instructional Aide (SPEL) - Life Skills

Job Summary

Job Title: Instructioanl Aide SPEL - Life Skills
Reports to: Principal and Teacher(s)
Dept./School: Assigned Campus
Exemption Status/Test: Non-Exempt
Pay Grade: IS3
Days: 187

Primary Purpose

Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of Principal and immediate direction of certified Teacher.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

Associate degree or higher; or Minimum of forty eight (48) semester college hours from an accredited college or university;
High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency) and passed the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test;
Be eligible to obtain a Paraprofessional Certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification.
Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of Fingerprinting Background Check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

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

Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Support

Help 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 Management

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. Keep Teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students. 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 individual students 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, bus, and playground duty.

Other

Maintain confidentiality. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as needed. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

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
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 non-ambulatory 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 *Required by every student succeeds Act (ESSA) for Aides who are providing instructional support in Title I, Part A program.

Required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for Aides

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.