Special Education Assistant – Life Skills (Poteet)

Mesquite ISD; Mesquite (TX); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesquite ISD is seeking an instructional support aide to assist in a special education setting. You will support daily activities, help implement classroom programs, and adapt instruction to meet each student’s medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs under a certified teacher’s direction.

Responsibilities include preparing instructional materials, maintaining records, supervising students during meals, bus, and activities, and ensuring confidentiality.

Qualifications

• None or minimal prior experience required; some experience with children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the teacher to prepare instructional materials and displays.
• Assist with the instructional program under the teacher's supervision by adapting to each student’s needs.
• Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and reports.
• Assist students with physical disabilities, including transferring and positioning.
• Attend to students' personal care needs including feeding and hygiene.
• Help manage student behavior under supervision.
• Work with individuals or small groups to develop motor skills.
• Maintain confidentiality and participate in staff development activities.

Skills

Collaborate with others

Work well with children with disABILit

Follow verbal and written instructions

Communicate effectively

General office equipment knowledge

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Texas Educational Aide Certificate

Job description

Mesquite ISD - Compensation Plans

Instructional Support Compensation Plan

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
• Texas Educational Aide Certificate

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

Physical demands/environmental factors:

• 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.