Life Skills Paraprofessional

Reports to: Campus Principal and Director of Special Services       

Supervised by: Life Skills Teacher
Dept./School: Assigned Campus                                                       

Exemption Status: Nonexempt
Pay Grade: Paraprofessional (per district compensation plan)          

Days: Per District work calendar (10 Months)

Primary Purpose

Assist the Life Skills Teacher in implementing individualized instructional and behavioral programs for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Provide support in functional academics, communication, social skills, daily living skills, and vocational training to promote student independence and success in school and community settings.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• High school diploma or GED required
• Educational Aide certification (as required by the Texas Education Agency)
• Have met formal academic assessment, associate’s degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning*
• CPI or district-approved crisis intervention training (preferred or able to obtain upon employment)

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of behavior management strategies
• Ability to implement IEP accommodations and modifications
• Ability to assist with personal care needs (feeding, toileting, hygiene)
• Ability to follow Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
• Knowledge of assistive technology and augmentative communication systems (AAC) preferred
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

Experience

• Experience working with students with intellectual disabilities, autism, or multiple disabilities preferred
• Experience in a special education setting preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Support

1. Assist the teacher in implementing lesson plans aligned to students’ IEP goals.
2. Provide one-on-one and small group support in functional academics and life skills instruction.
3. Reinforce communication, social skills, and daily living skills instruction.
4. Support inclusion opportunities in general education settings as directed.
5. Assist in preparing instructional materials and adaptive resources.

Student Support and Personal Care

1. Assist students with mobility, positioning, and physical support as needed.
2. Provide personal care assistance, including feeding, toileting, and hygiene support.
3. Support students during transitions throughout the school day.
4. Supervise students in the classroom, cafeteria, hallways, and community-based instruction settings.

Behavioral Support

1. Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) as directed by the teacher.
2. Monitor student behavior and use approved de-escalation strategies.
3. Assist with crisis intervention in accordance with district training and procedures.
4. Support students in developing self-regulation and independence skills.

Data Collection and Documentation

1. Collect and record data on student academic and behavioral performance as directed.
2. Maintain accurate documentation of student activities and progress.
3. Report concerns regarding student progress, health, or safety to supervising teacher promptly.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

1. Work collaboratively with teachers, related service providers, and administrators.
2. Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA.
3. Participate in required training and professional development.
4. Comply with district policies and administrative procedures.
5. Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

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 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

*Required by Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for aides who are providing instructional support in Title I, Part A program.