Autism Services Aide I (7.5 hours/181 days)

Aiken County Public Schools•Aiken, SC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides intensive, individualized instructional services to help students develop or enhance social skills, social communication, learning behaviors, and independence. The aide works with individual students to reinforce learning and skills identified in their IEP or treatment plan, assists teachers in developing individualized reinforcement strategies, and supports students throughout the school environment, including with self-help tasks and routines. The role implements prescribed programs with fidelity, uses applied behavior strategies and communication and reinforcement techniques, provides visual and other supports, and completes required documentation and data collection. The aide collaborates with special and general education teachers and other paraprofessionals, communicates concerns to the Team Lead, and supports student supervision and safety. The position requires professional communication, ethical conduct, confidentiality, participation in assigned in-service training, and adherence to district policies. Employment is for 181 school days at 7.5 hours per day; the description states that its terms are based on full-time employment during the school year.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Meet highly qualified standards as defined by the NCLB Act of 2001 through an associate degree, 60 college credit hours from an accredited college, or a passing score on the ParaPro Exam.
Knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, or an equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write or type routine reports and correspondence and speak effectively before groups.
Proficiency in English and relative understanding of sign language.
Ability to communicate professionally through email and other means, including a picture exchange system, and develop accurate observational documentation.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic and work with mathematical concepts including probability, statistical inference, and the display and interpretation of data.
Ability to interpret and carry out written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions; solve practical problems; analyze information; and use logic to address work-related issues.
Ability to perform duties in accordance with district requirements and Board of Education policies.
Ability to operate a personal computer and related software.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision and develop effective working relationships with students, staff, district employees, and the school community.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing, self-monitor, and manage multiple tasks individually and in a group.
Occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds and sometimes push or pull items such as furniture or boxes.
Regularly sit, stand, walk, talk, listen, and reach with hands and arms; close and distance vision are required.
Some driving is required.
Frequently interact with the public or other staff and take direct responsibility for student safety and well-being.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree preferred.
Experience with Applied Behavior Therapy preferred.
Other qualifications the Board finds appropriate and acceptable.

Responsibilities

Use applied behavior strategies, communication, and reinforcement techniques consistently.
Complete required documentation and data collection daily.
Implement strategies concerning workspace organization, program materials, and visual supports.
Facilitate developmentally appropriate student interactions, engagement, reinforcement, and pacing.
Follow prescribed programs faithfully, including accurate data collection, errorless teaching, prompting strategies, and transition supports.
Work with individual students to reinforce material and skills described in their IEP or treatment plan.
Assist teachers in devising individualized strategies for reinforcing material and skills based on students’ needs, interests, and abilities.
Help supervise students during emergency drills, assemblies, and play periods.
Access online resources and software to develop student materials and identified supports.
Collaborate with paraprofessionals, special education teachers, and general education teachers serving identified students.
Help students throughout the school environment as necessary.
Assist students with self-help tasks, including clothing, bathroom routines, meals, and cleanup.
Communicate student-related problems or concerns to the Team Lead.
Maintain ethical behavior and confidentiality, communicate effectively, demonstrate professional conduct, and adhere to program policies such as attendance.
Participate in assigned in-service training programs.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Programs.