Special Education Teacher Assistant - APT (Achieving Positive Transition), Students Ages 19-21 [...]

Spring Branch ISD; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Spring Branch Independent School District is seeking a Special Education Teacher Assistant for the APT program serving students aged 19–21. The role provides supervised on‑the‑job training, independent living skill coaching, and work readiness activities under the guidance of an APT teacher.

Responsibilities include assisting with instructional and work‑skill training, data collection, and collaboration with the Work‑Based Learning Center team to support postsecondary goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 48 college hours or a high school diploma/equivalent plus passing a district assessment.
• Educational Aide Certification.
• Mandt Training Certification.
• Knowledge regarding disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to TEA and district policies.
• Assist instructional/work skills training under supervision of APT teacher.
• Assist with job analysis of work skill sets.
• Assist in accommodations and adaptations for work skills.
• Follow APT teacher instructions and guidance.
• Participate in staff development related to student career awareness and work skills.

Skills

English fluency

Independent living

Travel training

Disabilities awareness

Work with adults

Education

High school diploma or 48 college hours

Educational Aide Certification

Mandt Training Certification

Job description

Spring Branch Independent School District

Job Description

Special Education Teacher Assistant – APT (Achieving Positive Transition), Students Ages 19‑21

Job Title: Special Education Teacher Assistant – APT (Achieving Positive Transition), Students Ages 19‑21

Reports To: Director of Special Education

Classification: Paraprofessional (Clerical/Teacher Assistant)

Wage/Hour Status: Non‑exempt

Days: 188

Salary: See Compensation Plan for Paraprofessional/Administrative Support Staff, Pay Grade 203

Contract: None

Date Revised: 11/15/2023

Primary Purpose

Assist adult special education students with significant disabilities ages 19‑21 with independent living skills and general work supervision, including direction and on‑the‑job training in work expectations, workplace behavior, compliance with workplace safety standards, production, and task completion under the close supervision of an A.P.T. teacher.

Qualifications/Skills

• Minimum of 48 college hours or a high school diploma/equivalent plus passing a district assessment.
• Educational Aide Certification.
• Mandt Training Certification.
• Knowledge regarding disabilities preferred.
• Ability to assist students in an organized set of vocational and work‑related activities per their individual education plans to develop work‑skills preparation while they are still in school.
• Ability to assist students in acquiring independent living skills.
• Ability to assist with travel training as part of the students’ post‑secondary coordinated activities.
• Fluency in English (speaking and writing).
• Ability to assist with lifting, toileting, feeding and other daily living skills as needed.
• Ability to effectively work with both adults, adult students and the Work‑Based Learning Center team.
• Background related to working with children and parents.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Adhere to Texas Education Agency and district policies and procedures.
• Assist in carrying out the instructional/work skills training program under the supervision of the A.P.T. teacher.
• Assist the A.P.T. teacher with job and task analysis of work skill sets.
• Assist in job accommodations and adaptations for students in acquiring work skill sets.
• Follow A.P.T. teacher instruction and guidance.
• Participate in planned staff development and professional growth activities related to student career awareness, work skills preparation, work behaviors, job acquisition, and independent living skills.
• Create instructional materials/visual schedules as needed.
• Collect data, documentation, and complete situational assessments for students to support data‑driven job training decisions and further development of identified postsecondary goals.
• Work with students using appropriate interpersonal skills and serve as a role model in developing their work behaviors, work‑skills preparation, and independent living skills.
• Help students develop work‑related attitudes, behaviors, and social and communication skills necessary to obtain their identified postsecondary goals.
• Provide support to students in developing independence, self‑determination, and self‑advocacy skills.
• Provide direct support to students with disabilities as indicated in the students’ IEPs and BIPs.
• Follow the students’ IEPs and the recommended modifications/adaptations for instructional techniques.
• Be proficient in students’ individual communication methods and strategies.
• Be flexible and collaborate with the A.P.T. teacher to provide intensive job skills and vocational training appropriate to each student’s transition assessments and postsecondary goals.
• Exhibit professionalism and serve as a good role model for students at all times.
• Serve as a resource to other staff on issues related to students’ needs and progress.
• Support the development of each student’s functional personal management, recreation/leisure, and adult living skills.
• Attend community‑based instruction trips at nonprofit organizations.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Provide appropriate level of supervision and support to ensure student safety while developing job skill sets and independence.

Equipment Used

Computer, copy machine, and Work‑Based Learning Center vocational training equipment.

Working Conditions

• Mental demands: Maintain emotional control under stress, work with frequent interruptions, work with various types of disabilities (intellectual disabilities, autism, and physical disabilities), and interact regularly in person with the public.
• Physical demands: Ability to lift and transfer students with physical disabilities (e.g., lift 50 lbs.), standing and moving around training areas continuously.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Spring Branch Independent School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status or disability.

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