Life Skills Instructional Aide

Crandall Independent School District; Crandall (TX); On-site; USD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Applitrack’s Paraprofessional - Teacher Assistant role at Opal Smith Elementary supports students with disabilities inside and outside the classroom. You will assist with IEP implementation, self-help, behavior management, and instructional programs under a certified teacher's direction.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED, plus three years of experience with children, and CPR/first aid knowledge. Candidates should be reliable, communicative, and able to work as part of a team.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree or 2 years of college recommended.
• Three years of experience with children required.

Responsibilities

• Develop cognitive/academic skills.
• Use student communication devices.
• Assist with self-help skills and IEP-related tasks.
• Promote social inclusion during routines and events.
• Implement discipline methods per teacher guidance.
• Provide instruction as defined by the student’s IEP.
• Assist in medical tasks as trained (e.g., G-Tube feeding, seizures).
• Support OT/PT, Speech, and Vision therapies as prescribed.
• Maintain confidentiality of students and parents.
• Record observation data as requested.
• Prepare and set up daily materials/equipment.
• Assist Life Skills students in various settings (lunch, bus, playground).
• Communicate with teacher on student needs.

Skills

First aid

CPR

Disability support

Communication

Follow directions

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate degree or 2 years of college

Job description

• Position Type: Paraprofessional - Teacher Assistant
• Date Posted: 10/7/2026
• Location: Opal Smith Elementary

Primary Purpose

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

Qualifications

Education/Certification

High School diploma or hold a General Education Development (GED) certificate

Formal academic assessment, associate's degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning

Special Knowledge/Skills

Basic first aid knowledge as well as CPR

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written directions

Ability to communicate effectively

Experience

Three (3) years' experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Direct Teach Activities

1. 1. Cognitive/academic skills.
2. 2. Use of student communication system/devices.
3. 3. Self-help skills including eating, drinking, toileting, diaper changing, dressing, hand washing, and brushing of teeth. Complete Medicaid/SHARS billing.
4. 4. Enhance social skills to include inclusion with homeroom, attendance of campus assemblies, eating in the cafeteria, and travel in the community.
5. 5. Implement discipline methods as discussed with the teacher.
6. 6. Provide instruction as defined by the student's IEP.

Medical duties include

1. 7. Perform G-Tube feeding.
2. 8. Respond to seizure activity.
3. 9. Monitor respiratory condition (a nurse is available on campus at all times)

Therapeutic Maintenance, after training, includes

1. 10. Assist in carrying out motor movements prescribed by the OT/PT therapists used in all settings for functional participation.
2. 11. Promote development of communication skills as prescribed by the Speech therapist used in all settings.
3. 12. Promote enhancements of activities for the visually impaired as prescribed by the Vision teacher.
4. 13. Maintain confidentiality of all students/parents.
5. 14. Record data upon observation of students as requested by the teacher.
6. 15. Clean/put up materials after use in all activities.
7. 16. Assist at the defined level of need with the Life Skills students throughout the school day. This may include lunchroom, bus and playground duty for Life Skills students.
8. 17. Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned students.
9. 18. Assist in arrival/departure activities of students to include loading and unloading buses.
10. 19. Be a team player in planning/implementing/making changes.
11. 20. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
12. 21. Attend and participate in faculty meetings.
13. 22. Develop materials needed as prescribed by the teacher.
14. 23. Prepare/set up the materials/equipment needed in daily routines.
15. 24. Assist in materials inventory.

Other

1. 25. Be available by phone, email, or video conferencing to confer with district personnel, students, and/or parents.
2. 26. Communicate with students or parents on a regular basis via phone or video conference, email, or district approved website.
3. 27. Maintain confidentiality.
4. 28. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress