Functional Academic Aide at SchoolSpring in Waco, TX

Summary: Connally Independent School District is seeking a Functional Academic Aide to support students with disabilities in a school setting. The role assists with classroom instruction, student personal care, behavior management, supervision, instructional materials, and administrative tasks under the direction of certified teachers.

Responsibilities:
- Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays
- Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom
- Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment
- Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports
- Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers
- Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting; positioning; or assisting students with personal care such as feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene
- Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students
- Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed
- Recognize differences in each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly
- Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher
- Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty
- Maintain confidentiality
- Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
- Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
- Alternative methods of performing duties

Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
- Have met formal academic assessment, associate's degree, or two years of study at an institution of higher learning\*
- Valid Texas educational aide certificate
- Ability to work with children with disabilities
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Knowledge of general office equipment
- Some experience working with children
- Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
- Frequent walking and reaching
- Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
- Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases)
- Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

Required Skills: Working with Children with Disabilities, Texas Educational Aide Certificate, Following Verbal and Written Instructions