Instructional Assistant, Special Education

McAllen Independent School District•McAllen, TX

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant, Special Education assists the classroom teacher in providing curriculum activities and experiences that support the intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of special education students. The assistant helps operate the classroom, supports student learning and behavior, assists with medical, feeding, toileting, sanitation, and supervision needs, and works with small groups under the special education teacher’s supervision. The position has no supervisory responsibilities and performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor (primary evaluator). The work year is 187 days. The hourly pay range is $14.75 to $20.37; 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.
Paraprofessional Certification, required upon employment.
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.
Basic computer skills.
Background working with special needs children or adults.

Responsibilities

Assist the teacher in daily classroom operations and help provide a supportive learning environment.
Assist with students’ behavior management and medical needs.
Supervise students throughout the workday.
Feed students or help them feed themselves.
Assist with 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 with 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).