What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Needs Aide position at Florence Elementary?
Job Title: Special Needs Aide
Reports to: Principal and Assigned Teacher
Dept./School: Assigned Campus
Wage/Hour Status: Non-Exempt
Date Revised: 08/20/2025
Primary Purpose:
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.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
Have met formal academic assessment, associate’s degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning*
Valid Texas educational aide certificate required, Aide Certification III preferred
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Ability to work with children with disabilities
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
Ability to communicate effectively
Experience:
Two years of experience working with children
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
Student Management
- Help meet the individual needs of student(s) 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 student as needed.
- Recognize differences in student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction according.
- Work with assigned student(s) or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
- Assist assigned students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
- Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned student(s).
Other
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Participate in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
- Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:
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: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory 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
*Required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for aides who are providing instructional support in Title I, Part A program.