Exceptional Education Assistant

ORANGE GROVE CENTER INC•Chattanooga, TN

1d•$16 - $16•Onsite

About The Position

The Student Support Specialist provides individualized educational, behavioral, social, and personal support to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in a structured school environment. Working as an integral member of the educational team, the Student Support Specialist assists students in achieving academic, functional, communication, behavioral, and life-skill goals identified in their Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individual Support Plan (ISP), Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), and Individual Crisis Support Plan (ICSP), when applicable. This position promotes student independence, dignity, safety, and inclusion while fostering a positive learning environment that encourages each student’s growth and success.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrate patience and compassion, and be able to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary educational team.
CPR, First Aid, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), and other required certifications must be obtained and maintained according to Orange Grove Center policies.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, special education, behavioral support, childcare, healthcare, or human services is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides direct supervision and individualized support to students throughout the school day, ensuring their educational, behavioral, emotional, physical, and personal needs are met in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Assists classroom teachers with instructional activities by providing one-on-one and small-group support, reinforcing lesson plans, adapting learning materials when appropriate, and encouraging active student participation in classroom instruction.
Assists students in developing communication, social interaction, problem-solving, self-help, vocational, and independent living skills appropriate to each student’s abilities.
Implements strategies outlined in each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individual Support Plan (ISP), Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), Individual Crisis Support Plan (ICSP), while using positive behavior supports, de-escalation techniques, and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) strategies as necessary to maintain a safe learning environment.
Assists students with activities of daily living, including eating, personal hygiene, mobility, positioning, transfers, and other personal care and self-help needs while preserving each student's dignity, privacy, and independence.
Monitors student health, behavior, and emotional well-being throughout the school day, promptly communicating concerns or significant changes to teachers, nursing staff, therapists, administrators, and parents or guardians as directed.
Supports students during classroom instruction, lunch, recess, physical education, vocational training, therapeutic activities, assemblies, and school-sponsored events while maintaining appropriate supervision at all times.
Follows all school safety procedures and emergency protocols, including fire drills, severe weather procedures, lockdowns, evacuations, first aid, CPR, seizure response, Universal Precautions, and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) techniques.
Accurately documents student attendance, behavioral observations, progress toward educational and functional goals, incidents, health concerns, medication administration, and other required records in accordance with agency policies, educational regulations, and state requirements.
Collaborates with teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, psychologists, behavior specialists, administrators, transportation staff, and families to provide consistent, person-centered educational services.
Demonstrates professionalism, maintains confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA, HIPAA (when applicable), and Orange Grove Center policies, and treats all students, families, coworkers, and visitors with dignity, respect, and compassion.
Performs other duties as assigned in support of the educational mission of Orange Grove Center and contributes to maintaining a positive, student-centered school culture.