Instructional Aide - Work Based Learning at Donna Independent School District

Job Title:                          Work Based Learning - Instructional Aide

Wage/Hour Status:          Nonexempt

Department:                    Special Education Dept

Reports To:                       Campus Principal / Special Education Director

Approved By:                   Board of Trustees                                                                        

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SUMMARY:

Provides training and support for students to ensure success during work experiences consistent with the individual education plan (IEP) and transition plan, assists the Special Education Teacher to secure job placements, analyze and modify job tasks; provide employability skills instruction; conduct student observations and assessments; and work collaboratively with worksite employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assist the Special Education Teacher, consistent with IEP goals and transition plans to secure job placements; provide instruction of employability skills; student observation and assessment; and work collaboratively with worksite employees.
2. Coach students on vocational skills and on-the-job skills to enhance readiness for employment.
3. Analyze and modify job tasks to student skill level.
4. Supervise students.
5. Transport students to community worksites.
6. Observe students; collect data and report student progress.
7. Maintain accurate data collection records.
8. Communicate with staff and parents as instructed by the Special Education Teacher.
9. Participate in staff meetings, inservice programs, workshops and seminars.
10. Participate as a member of the education team. May attend parent conferences.
11. Be a positive role model for students, support the mission of the school district.

Communication

1. Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
2. Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
3. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.

Other

1. Maintain confidentiality.
2. Participate in staff development training programs to improve job performance.
3. Participate in faculty meetings and special events as assigned.
4. Exercise professional judgment in absences; be punctual to work, meetings, and appointments.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED

Completed two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education; or

Obtained an Associate’s Degree (Preferred)

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Some experience working with children

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Certification, as required by the Texas Education Agency

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos.  Ability to write simple correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information in one-to-one and small group situations to administrators, teachers, peers, students, parents and the school community.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but involved written or oral instructions.  Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.   

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to work with children with disabilities.  Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.  Working knowledge of general office equipment.  Ability to develop effective working relationships with students, staff and the school community.  Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.  Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements and Board of Education policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Occasional absences are understood but regular attendance is required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use wheelchair lifts and ramps.  The employee must reach with hands and arms and is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls and climb or balance.

Frequent stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling and regular heavy lifting of students is required of this employee.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.  The employee needs to be able to tell where a sound is coming from and hear in a noisy environment.

The employee must maintain emotional control under stress.