Special Education Paraprofessional

Primary Purpose: Help meet physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities inside and
outside classroom. Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP),
including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general
supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications: Education/Certification: High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
Have met formal academic assessment, associate's degree, or two years of study at an
institution of higher learning*
Valid Texas educational aide certificate

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: Two years experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties: Student Management 1. Help meet the individual needs of student(s) including transferring to and from
wheelchairs; lifting and positioning; interpreting instructions; and assisting with physical
needs and personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
2. Help manage the behavior of assigned student(s). This includes intervening in crisis
situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student as needed.
3. Recognize differences in student's special medical, physical, communicative, and
emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction according.
4. Work with assigned student(s) or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct
instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
5. Assist assigned students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This
includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
6. Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s).
7. Complete data collections tools for service implementation for special education
teachers.
8. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
Other 9. Maintain confidentiality.
10. Participate in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events
as assigned.
11. 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