PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assists the special education or general education teacher to provide for the physical and instructional needs of students.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Certification Requirements

• High school graduate or GED equivalent
• Eligible to obtain an Educational Aide certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check
• The ability to obtain CPR and first aid training
• The ability to received training in CPI

Knowledge and Skills

• 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 remain calm in a stressful situation

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.)

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Help manage students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Document on-going in-service or other staff development activities related to the education of the handicapped.
• Perform tasks under the general supervision of a certified teacher or teaching team.
• Work cooperatively with the teacher in preparing the classroom and the instructional materials for student use.
• Assist in managing student behavior and activity to facilitate a positive classroom climate.
• Facilitate the classroom routines/lessons in the temporary absence of the teacher.
• Supervise students in a variety of settings including but not limited to cafeteria, P.E., bus, playground, music, library, passing periods and inclusion activities.
• Accompany special education groups on field trips.
• Assist students with physical needs, personal care and personal hygiene. 
• 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 instructional setting as appropriate.
• Operate office equipment as well as adaptive/assistive devices for students.
• Assist with loading and unloading of school buses.
• Ride the school bus to assist as a bus monitor.
• Attend required in-service training sessions as well as individual training as warranted by student need.
• Assist the teacher in evaluating student performance and data collections.
• 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.

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.)