Exceptional Children Support Specialist

Reports To:  Exceptional Children Teacher

Terms of Employment:  Permanent, 10 Month Position.  This position follows the instructional calendar and does not require work on non-instructional days (e.g., holidays, teacher workdays, or breaks other than required professional development days as requested by supervisors - 2 per year). 

Nature of Work

An Exceptional Children Support Specialist provides direct support to students with disabilities under the supervision of a special education teacher, assisting with instruction, daily living skills, and behavioral needs, while also maintaining records and managing the classroom environment. 

Qualifications and Licensure

• Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent 
• Must be 18 years of age
• Possession of an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and necessary

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Cooperates in developing procedures for the classroom.
• Assists in the preparation of materials.
• Maintains awareness of goals and objectives of supervising teachers.
• Assists in implementing the planned program.
• Participates in and facilitates activities to improve effectiveness of the total school program.
• Carries out student supervisory duties in a prompt and reasonable manner to ensure a safe and healthful environment.
• Maintains classroom files and records in accordance with applicable rules, laws and regulations.
• Exhibits positive behavior toward children, parents, staff and administrators.
• Represents the needs of school and children to parents and the community in a positive manner.
• Conducts himself or herself as a positive role model in the school and community.
• Assists students with understanding, interpreting and adhering to laws, rules and regulations.
• As needed and if necessary, feeds and/or toilets students and assists with any other task students are not able to perform for themself.
• Shares the responsibility for school cleanliness and neatness.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Physical Requirements (if applicable)

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force.  
• Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting.  
• Work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.   

Special Requirements (if applicable)

• Ability to assist children using patience and understanding.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, associates, students, parents and the general public.
• General knowledge of daily routines of the classroom. 
• General knowledge of student handbook rules. 
• General knowledge of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency • General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration. 
• Some knowledge of the curriculum for the grade. 
• Possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral. 
• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students, particularly when a student is participating in an inclusive activity. 
• Ability to motivate students. 
• Ability to maintain a clean and orderly environment. 
• Ability to perform general clerical duties. 
• Ability to maintain order and discipline in a classroom. 
• Ability to operate common office machines. 
• Ability to maintain basic files and records. 
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees of this job.