Special Education Aide - Itinerant

POSITION TITLE: Special Education Aide - Itinerant

EXEMPTION STATUS:  Non-exempt

REPORTS TO:  Principal

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  10 months

Primary Purpose

Assist the teacher in providing for the instructional needs (primary) and physical needs of students with disabilities, primarily in the general education setting and in the special education setting. Assist in the implementation of classroom programs for instruction (primary), self-help and behavior management.  Work under the general supervision of the principal and the immediate direction of teacher(s). Itinerant aides will be assigned to the campus that has the current need. The assignment may change at district discretion.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

Associate degree, two years of study at an institute of higher learning, or meet formal academic assessment

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills

Ability to work well with children with disabilities

Ability to assist with classroom instruction

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Effective communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills

Experience

Experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Support

• Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom.
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers, as needed.

Student Management

• Assist students with disabilities according to individual needs for instruction (primary), transferring to and from wheelchair, lifting, positioning, signing, and other needs as assigned.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene as needed.
• Help manage behavior of students, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special academic (primary), medical, physical, communicative, and emotional need.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher as needed.
• Assist in supervising students throughout the day; inside and outside the classroom; in the cafeteria, in the hallway, at the drop-off/pick-up line and bus stop, on the bus, on the playground, on field trips; before and after school hours when in the school’s care; and at other times and locations as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Professional Growth and Development

• Maintain familiarity with district curriculum and initiatives to better serve the needs of students.
• Participate in professional learning, staff meetings, and special events as assigned.

Communication

• Maintain communication with the teacher regarding the special needs or problems of individual students.
• Articulate the district’s mission and goals to the community and solicit community support.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environment Factors

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard classroom equipment, computer, peripherals, electronic devices

Posture: Prolonged sitting/standing, frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting

Motion: Frequent walking; frequent repetitive hand motions, keyboarding, use of mouse, wrist flexion/extension

Lifting: Lifting and carrying up to 30 pounds without assistance, 30-55 pounds with assistance, and more than 55 pounds with appropriate assistance 

Environment: Work inside and outside; regular exposure to noise; occasional exposure to contagious diseases

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work with frequent interruption; work prolonged or irregular hours