PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist the special education teacher to provide for the physical 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 and 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 the education of the handicapped
• Accompany special education groups on field trips
• 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
• Is supervised by the special education teacher a minimum of one hour per day during student instruction in addition to the time needed for joint planning and preparation
• Operate office equipment as well as adaptive/assistive devices for students
• Follow District Guidelines in maintaining classroom management, discipline and student information confidentiality
• Help manage students.  This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed
• Assist teachers and students in use of computers, printers, and instructional software
• Assist students, staff, and parents with a variety of technology (i.e. Chromebooks, laptops, desktops, iPads, Kindle Fire Tablets, pointers, wireless mice, document cameras, USB ports, etc.)
• Assist students, staff, and parents with software and web-based platforms used by JISD (i.e. TexQuest resources, Destiny, Sora, Google Suite, Discovery Education, Microsoft products, etc.)
• Assist with the preparation of instructional materials for the classroom
• Provide a safe and conductive atmosphere for the educational program
• Assist the campus in routine clerical tasks and participate in selecting, planning, and organizing and evaluating the instructional program.
• Complete tasks in a timely manner
• Assist with other duties as assigned by campus administration (i.e. including but not limited to bus duty, lunch duty, etc.)
• Release the teacher from routine tasks and participates in selecting, organizing, and evaluating program elements
• Help with record keeping, health routines, lunchroom and playground activities
• 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
• 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

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.