ESE Teacher Aide

Sarasota County Schools; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarasota County Schools is seeking a devoted paraprofessional to support students with special needs and assist certified staff. The role emphasizes following directions, implementing behavioral and academic interventions, and maintaining a safe classroom environment.

Responsibilities include supervision, data collection, clerical tasks, and collaboration with families to support student progress and well-being. Training opportunities are provided during probation and beyond.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of children with special needs.
• Knowledge of general computer use.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Ability to implement academic and behavioral interventions designed for ESE students.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supervision of students and school-wide tasks.
• Participate in workshops and training sessions as required.
• Assist with personal care and hygiene (e.g., diapering, toileting, feeding, and medical tasks).
• Perform clerical duties such as copying, filing, recording, and data collection.
• Help create and maintain a safe learning and workplace environment.
• Assist staff with behavioral management.
• Help develop instructional materials.
• Prepare accurate records and reports.
• Assist with assessing student progress.
• Communicate effectively with staff and parents.
• Use specialized equipment as required.
• Intervene in disciplinary situations when health/safety is at risk.
• Demonstrate initiative and maintain high ethical standards.

Skills

Basic needs of special children

General computer use

Follow directions

Independent work

Effective communication

Implement ESE interventions

Education

Associate of Arts/Science or sixty-hour equivalent

Para Pro assessment test passing

Job description

• At time of hire, may be required to register and successfully complete forty (40) hours of training/workshops in the area of autism and/or related disorders to obtain ASD certification by the end of the probationary period.
• Must successfully complete verbal and physical CPI training within the probationary period.
• A passing score on the Para Pro Assessment Test or an Associate of Art's / Associate of Science Degree, or sixty (60) hour equivalent from an accredited educational institution.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: :

• Basic knowledge and understanding of children with special needs.
• Knowledge of general computer use.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Ability to implement academic and behavioral interventions designed specifically for ESE students.

REPORTS TO :

Principal or Designee

JOB GOAL

To implement routine tasks independently, such as academic and behavioral instruction, as assigned under the direction of a certified staff member.

SUPERVISES :

N/A

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Assist in the supervision of students and school wide supervisory tasks as assigned.
• Participate in workshops and training sessions as required to meet the needs of the classroom and student population.
• Assist with personal care and hygiene including but not limited to diapering, toileting, feeding, and medical tasks.
• Perform clerical duties such as copying, filing, recording, and data collection as assigned.
• Assist in creating and maintaining a safe learning and workplace environment.
• Assist staff members with behavioral management.
• Assist with the development of instructional materials.
• Assist with the preparation of accurate records and reports.
• Assist with assessing student progress.
• Communicate effectively with staff and parents.
• Use specialized equipment as required.
• Intervene in situations concerning discipline of students when students' health and/or safety is at risk.
• Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Model and maintain high ethical standards.
• Follow attendance, punctuality and proper dress rules.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
• Maintain positive relationships with staff and families.
• Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
• Monitor and report inappropriate student actions.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
• Follow all School Board policies, rules and regulations.
• Exhibit interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member.
• Demonstrate support for the School District and its goals and priorities.
• Sustained focus and attention to detail for extended periods of time.
• Perform other incidental tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force as needed to move objects or individuals. In an emergency, worker may be required to restrain a physically active individual as a temporary safety precaution.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.

EVALUATION :

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of personnel.