JOB SUMMARY

The Special Education Support professional plays a crucial role in providing assistance and support to students with special needs within an educational setting. Working closely with special education teachers, administrators, and other support staff, the Special Education Support professional ensures that students receive the necessary accommodations, resources, and personalized attention to promote their academic, social, and emotional development. The role requires compassion, patience, and a strong commitment to helping students overcome their unique challenges and achieve their full potential.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with special education teachers to implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and make necessary modifications to accommodate students' diverse learning needs.
• Provide one-on-one or small group support to students with special needs, assisting them in understanding and completing assignments and classwork.
• Adapt instructional materials and techniques to meet the individual needs and learning styles of students with disabilities.
• Assist students with organizational skills, time management, and study strategies to foster independence and academic success.
• Monitor and record students' progress, behaviors, and achievements, and communicate regularly with teachers, parents, and other team members.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

• Help create a positive and inclusive classroom environment by promoting acceptance, understanding, and respect for students with special needs.
• Collaborate with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to provide a comprehensive support system for students.
• Assist in implementing behavior management strategies, promoting positive behavior and addressing challenging behaviors in accordance with the students' IEPs.
• Support students during transitions between classrooms, activities, and settings, ensuring their safety, comfort, and inclusion.
• Attend relevant professional development sessions, workshops, and meetings to stay updated on best practices and advancements in special education.

EDUCATION

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Previous experience working with students with special needs, preferably in an educational setting.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Knowledge of different types of disabilities, learning disorders, and interventions commonly used in special education.
Familiarity with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and the ability to implement accommodations and modifications accordingly.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish positive relationships with students, parents, teachers, and other professionals.
Patience, empathy, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively collaborate with the multidisciplinary team.
Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
Flexibility and adaptability to meet the changing needs and demands of students and the educational environment.
Knowledge of assistive technologies and adaptive equipment commonly used in special education (preferred).

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

No supervisory or direct people management responsibilities. May provide occasional work guidance, technical advice, and training to staff.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work involves the application of moderately complex procedures and tasks that are quite varied. Independent judgment is often required to select and apply the most appropriate of available resources. Ongoing supervision is provided on an "as needed" basis.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

No budget development activity is required.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made on both routine and non-routine matters with some latitude, but are still subject to approval. Job is occasionally expected to recommend new solutions to problems and improve existing methods or generate new ideas.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Follows rules and procedures. Decisions can have minimal or no impact to HISD. Errors can be readily detected, usually by the employee, and, if made, would result in minor expense for correction.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Information sharing - gives and receives information such as options, technical direction, instructions and reporting results. Interactions are mostly with customers, own supervisor and coworkers in own and other departments.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Follows through with customer inquiries, requests and complaints. Forwards difficult and non-routine inquiries or requests to appropriate level for resolution.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.
Ability to carry and/or lift less than 15 pounds.