Instructional Assistant, Special Education SES

McAllen Independent School District•McAllen, TX

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant, Special Education SES assists the classroom teacher in providing curriculum activities and experiences designed to support the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of special education students. The role helps with daily classroom operations and provides a supportive learning environment, working with students under the supervision of the special education teacher. The assistant supports students’ behavioral, medical, feeding, toileting, supervision, and hygiene needs; helps prepare instructional materials; and works with small groups to reinforce material introduced by the teacher. The position also involves monitoring students during transitions and activities, sanitizing rooms and equipment, and following McAllen ISD customer service standards. This position is listed for 187 days. The hourly pay range is $15.50 to $21.40. Starting pay for a new hire is determined individually based on job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours.
Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions.
Ability to work with emotionally, physically, and/or mentally impaired students.
Ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to make rational decisions under stressful circumstances.
Ability to deal with special needs children in a caring, supportive, but non-emotional manner.
Ability to lift or move at least 40 pounds and push over 100 pounds.
Ability to work in a noisy environment.
Ability to provide for sanitation needs and student hygiene.
Ability to assist in restraining students in crisis situations.

Nice To Haves

Paraprofessional Certification, preferred; required upon employment.
Basic computer skills, preferred.
Background in working with special needs children or adults, preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher with daily classroom operations and help provide a supportive learning environment.
Assist with behavior management and students’ medical needs.
Assist in supervising students throughout the workday.
Feed students or help them feed themselves.
Assist with students’ special toileting needs.
Monitor students to and from buses, in the cafeteria, in inclusion classrooms, and in hallways while traveling to and from activities.
Sanitize the room and equipment.
Assist teachers in planning and preparing instructional materials.
Under the supervision of the special education teacher, work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).