Special Education Assistant (ECSE)

Mesquite-Isd; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Full time

Job summary

Mesquite ISD is seeking a paraeducator to support a special education classroom and assist the licensed teacher with instructional activities. You will help implement programs, adapt tasks for individual students, and contribute to maintaining records and reports.

The role involves assisting students with physical disabilities, coordinating with the teacher, and helping supervise students during meals, transit, and outdoor activities. A High School Diploma or GED is required.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience: None; some experience with children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the special education teacher in providing for physical and instructional needs.
• Prepare instructional materials and classroom displays with the teacher.
• Assist with the instructional program under supervision, adapting to each student’s needs.
• Maintain administrative records and required reports.

Skills

Collaboration

Disability awareness

Following instructions

Communication

Office equipment

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

Pay Grade: 3 Shift Type: Full-Time Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt Reports To: Principal

EMPLOYMENT BEGINS: As soon as possible

PRIMARY PURPOSE

• To assist the special education teacher in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, 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/GED

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

• Work collaboratively with others
• Work well with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment

EXPERIENCE

• None
• Some experience working with children preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Collaborate with the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays
• Assist with the instructional program under the direct supervision of a certified teacher by adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs
• Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their individualized needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning
• Attend to students with physical needs and personal care including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
• Help manage the behavior of students under the direct supervision of a certified teacher
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher
• Report to the teacher any special needs or problems of individual student
• Assist assessment team by administering achievement and/or development tests
• Help supervise students throughout the day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers
• Maintain confidentiality
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as needed
• Supervise students when teacher is temporarily absent
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Other School Health and Related Services (SHARS) duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

WORKING CONDITIONS

Mental Demands:

• Reading, writing, and effective verbal communication
• Maintaining emotional control under stress
• Exhibiting flexibility in completing job demands
• Standing; stooping; bending; kneeling; pushing and pulling frequently
• Lifting paper, books, equipment, and students
• Transferring and positioning students to and from wheelchairs
• Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases
• Experiencing moderate noise level in the work environment

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.