What are the responsibilities and job description for the Specialized Special Ed Teaching Assistant- District Wide position at Amarillo Independent School District?
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
Help meet physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities predominantly in a self-contained classroom but also in an inclusion 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:
Minimum Education/Certification:
High School Diploma & meet the District’s formal academic assessment required by Every Student Succeeds Act
Associates (or higher) degree OR 48 college credit hours
Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate
Meet the rigorous standard of quality required by the district
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Work with students with disabilities who have difficulty with academics, behavior, social skills, and
various physical needs
Work in a variety of jobs, time schedules and with a variety of people
Work harmoniously with student, parents, and school personnel
Follow written and/or oral directions and to exercise good judgment
Change assignment or duties during the year to meet the needs of students as students enter or
exit programs
Travel to various locations throughout the district- if needed
Effective verbal and written communication skills as well as a high degree of literacy and mental
capabilities
Work Conditions
Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students
Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
Motion: Frequent walking and reaching
Lifting: Up to 45 pounds or over, 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 and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)
Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress
Minimum Experience:
The experience of having worked with students and parents is preferred. This experience may be work in church-related school, day camps, youth groups, and private schools, licensed day-care centers or similar experiences.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Work closely with classroom teacher at campus where assigned.
- Work closely with classroom teacher at campus where assigned.
- Participate in District staff development programs.
- Provide on-going student support and/or assistance in the classroom.
- Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
- Assist the student(s) in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, etc.
- Give appropriate praise and strive to ensure that each student is successful.
- Intervene physically using when necessary District training and protocol to prevent student injury to self or others.
- Initiate first-aid or handles emergency situations without supervision of school personnel.
- Facilitate relationships between co-workers, supervisors and students.Assist in cleaning of bodily wastes and changing diapers.
- Assist in catheterization of students.
- Recognize differences in each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly.
- Perform simple errands and tasks for student(s) such as sharpening pencils, carrying lunch trays, accompanying student(s) to the office or nurse.
- Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
- Work with individual students or small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
- Assist in developing instructional materials and maintaining student files.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Ensure compliance with all local policies and state and federal statutes including the Educator Code of Ethics.
- Perform such other tasks and accepts such other responsibilities as may be assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None
