Elementary Special Education Aide

NORTHWEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Title: Special Education Teacher Aide - Specialized Program Unit (0806)

Reports to: Campus Principal

Dept./Campus: Campus Assigned
Wage/Hour Status: Non- Exempt
Pay Grade: P15
Duty Days: 187
Date Revised: 09/2023

Primary Purpose:
Assist the special education teacher to provide for physical, instructional, and behavioral needs of students with significant or low incidence disabilities in special education and general education settings. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Paraprofessional Aide certification from state of Texas
• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment
• Ability to physically manage students with motor and/or behavioral difficulties
• Certification in Crisis Prevention Intervention and/or Safety Care

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Adhere to federal, state and local policies and procedures related to special education aides.
2. Participate in training related to special education students.
3. Participate in planned in-services and professional growth activities.
4. Assist in carrying out the instructional program for each student.
5. Assist in maintaining student records and audit folders.
6. Assist in preparation, use and maintenance of instructional materials and equipment.
7. Assist with teacher-planned activities, exercises and drills.
8. Assist with helping students in self-care activities such as feeding, dressing, toileting and personal hygiene.
9. Assist with student supervision inside and outside the classroom; lunch, recess, outdoor activities, transitions, field trips, and loading and unloading the bus. 
10. Assist in implementing the therapy programs that may require lifting, positioning and transferring to and from wheelchairs, standers, walkers, chairs and the floor.
11. Assist in carrying out behavior interventions.
12. Attend professional meetings as required.
13. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers (Guest Educators).
14. Able to maintain confidentiality
15. Use appropriate district approved physical safety techniques including restraint
16. Dress and shoes appropriate to job responsibilities
17. Other duties as assigned

SHARS/ MAC / RMTS:
Northwest ISD participates in the School Health and Related Services (SHARS) and MAC programs which allows our district to request Medicaid reimbursement for certain health-related services. The Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee determines SHARS services.

As a special education staff member, you will be required to train and bill for SHARS reimbursements for students on your caseload. Trainings will be provided for SHARS, for RMTS (Random Moment in Time Studies), where staff are chosen randomly to answer a few questions, and for MAC (Diagnosticians and non-Personal Care Providers only). Training will be provided at the beginning of each school year as well as on an "as needed" basis for new hires.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
N/A

Equipment Used:
Personal computer, printer, copier, and FAX machine, wheelchair lift, and ramps.

Working Conditions:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Moderate standing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling, regular heavy lifting, and physical management of students. Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria and communicable diseases. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities. Must have the ability to lift and carry 50 pounds or more; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students.

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, alternative methods of performing your duties, or skills that may be required.