Behavior Learning Paraprofessional

Position : Special Education Behavior/Instructional Paraprofessional

Campus : Laird Elementary School

Wage/Hour Status : Nonexempt

Immediate Supervisor(s) : Campus Principal and Executive Director of Special Programs

Pay Grade : Per Compensation Manual

Days Employed : Per Compensation Manual

POSITION SUMMARY :

Provide direct student assistance for physical and instructional needs in a special/general education setting

Implement the CPI framework for crisis prevention, verbal de-escalation and physical restraints

Assist as directed with classroom programs, self-help/self-care, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the director, principal, and immediate direction of a certified teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or GED

Must have completed at least 30 college hours; OR

Met a rigorous standard of quality, demonstrated through a formal State or local academic assessment

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Current CPI training

Special Required Knowledge/Skills to meet Essential Functions:

Ability to work with children who have emotional and behavioral disabilities while maintaining a calm demeanor

Ability to communicate effectively, including maintaining descriptive behavioral data

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions

Must be willing to participate in and successfully complete/maintain crisis intervention training

Must be able to effectively manage the mental demands and stress associated with the responsibilities and duties listed below

Must be willing to participate in and successfully complete TBSI Training

Physical ability to lift/maneuver students with significantly impaired independent mobility or who are engaged in behavior that is endangering self/others

Knowledge of general office equipment and MS Office and Google Drive systems

Experience:

Recent experience working with students with emotional, and behavioral disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual/developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES :

Student Management:

Assist with the behavior management of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations, restraining dangerous students as needed, and recording data.

Work with individual students or small groups to develop pro-social, school-appropriate behavioral skills and conduct instructional exercises supervised by the classroom teacher, including modifying work appropriately

Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs, including alternative forms of communication such as pictures, signs, gestures, and special equipment

Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning(Minimum of 50 lbs.)

Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene

Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher, including modifying work appropriately

Help supervise students through the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This may include student supervision on the bus and other school settings (lunchroom, playground, gym, etc)

Keep the teacher informed of the special needs of individual students

Support and participate in extracurricular activities, as needed

Instructional Support:

Assist the teacher and follow teacher instructions in the preparation of instructional materials

Assist with restoring the classroom setting as needed following classroom disruption incidents

Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment

Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers regarding the special needs of the assigned student (s)

Other:

Maintain FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality

Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned

Perform other duties as assigned

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS PER PROGRAM :

Individual Student Paraprofessional Requirements:

Maintain structure and a schedule for students

Assist students with behavioral, physical, or academic tasks

Lifting and restroom assistance (may include assistance with feminine hygiene)

Demonstrate a willingness to be coached on specific interventions for managing the student's academics, behavior, and daily activities

Demonstrate an understanding of how to set up academic and technology supports that are individualized for the students

Maintain a professional rapport with the student's teachers, campus administration, and director by asking relevant questions about support or assistance

Demonstrate proficiency in operating a Hoyer lift and related equipment

Physically transport the student from one location to the next

EQUIPMENT USED :

A wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS :
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Variable work environments and daily schedule

Maintain emotional control under stress

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. The strength required to operate the Hoyer lift and related equipment.

Frequent long-distance walks are required for transitioning students between classrooms

Must be able to physically restrain a child, as well as use hand-over-hand techniques

Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable disease