Instructional Aide - Special Education (Life Skills)

Position Summary

Provide instructional assistance to students under the direct supervision of a certified teacher. Assist in preparing, conducting, and managing classroom activities.

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

Required Documents - Must be uploaded with application

1) Resume with work experience listed. Include months/years worked, company, title, and brief description of duties.

2) School transcript or diploma

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency.
• Experience working with children in any of the following: school, daycare, church, day camp, youth group, private school, licensed day-care center, or similar.
• Valid educational aide certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) must be obtained within 30 days of employment.
• Satisfactory outcome of fingerprint background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree or higher from an accredited college/university.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics
• Ability to work well with children
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment
• Ability to work with children with disabilities

Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities

• Help meet the individual needs of students including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting and positioning; interpreting instructions; and assisting with physical needs and personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage the behavior of assigned student(s). This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed.
• Recognize differences in student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction according.
• Work with assigned students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teachers.
• Assist assigned students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep the teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s).
• Provide instruction to students under the direction of the teacher, work with individual students or small groups.
• Assist teachers in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Assist with administering and scoring objective testing instruments or work assignments.
• Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help teachers keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Make teachers aware of individual students' unique needs or problems.
• Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance.
• Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Working Conditions

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard instructional equipment, including personal computer and peripherals.

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.

Motion: Frequent walking, including frequent keyboarding/use of mouse; occasional reaching.

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may lift and move textbooks. Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment.

Environment: Work inside, may work outside; regular exposure to noise.

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

Boerne Independent School District, as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment decisions.