PECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER’S AIDE FOR STUDENTS WITH MODERATE / SEVERE DISABILITIES

Our Client, an established education institution for students with special needs (moderate to severe autism and other developmental conditions, is looking to recruit a Special Education Teacher's Aide. See job description for more details.

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER’S AIDE

FOR STUDENTS WITH MODERATE / SEVERE DISABILITIES

Location:  Port of Spain

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Special Education Teacher’s Aide provides additional assistance in classes where students with moderate to severe autism and other developmental conditions, such as Down Syndrome and Global Developmental Delay, require a higher teacher to student ratio. A priority is to support the Special Education Teacher in implementing the programme these students need to attain their potential.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• 5 CSEC (or its equivalent) subjects including Mathematics and English A  OR  Early Childhood Care Education Certificate from a recognised institution.
• 3 years’ experience working with students with special education needs
• Current First Aid / CPR certification would be an asset.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the supervision of Special Education Teacher(s), to assist in providing interventions and support to meet the safety, health and personal care needs of students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. These needs may include: lifting and transferring, movement and positioning, feeding, assisting with skills during washroom use for washing hands, brushing teeth, showering and/or using the toilet; and approved administration of medication/medical procedures, with appropriate training provided
• To assist the Special Education Teacher(s) in the delivery of curriculum for students
• To assist the Special Education Teachers(s) in addressing and meeting the physical needs of students, eg, implementation of student behaviour plans, behaviour shaping, prompting strategies, proximity control, etc, for the purpose of ensuring effective and safe student learning
• To assist the Special Education Teacher(s) in instructing and developing skills for students to direct their own personal care and to foster independence
• To assist the Special Education Teacher(s) with administration of appropriate assessment tools
• To assist the Special Education Teacher(s) with preparation activities to meet the instructional needs of individual students and small groups
• To assist in adapting classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the Teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives on a daily basis
• To assist in monitoring and supervising students during non-instructional periods within a variety of school environments, (eg, lunch, recess/breaks/spare time, bus and maxi loading/unloading, playground, classroom, self-help activities like brushing teeth and washing hands, field trips, public transportation, assemblies, etc) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment
• To attend meetings, training, professional learning sessions (eg, First Aid, CPR, emergency procedures, behaviour management, etc) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions as required
• To meet with school staff should any concerns or issues arise to find a way forward
• To participate in team meetings, Individualized Education Programme (IEP) development meetings and staff meetings as required
• To communicate with school staff and professional support personnel for the purpose of assisting in effective implementation of the IEP and for sharing information about students and their needs
• To assist the Special Education Teacher(s) in data collection
• To assist students with adaptive/assistive technology
• To accompany, supervise and assist the Special Education Teacher with students on trips away from school site, eg, swimming, horseback riding field trips, etc
• To assist with other related duties as assigned

SOME KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Practices and procedures of instruction for persons with Level II and Level III autism and other developmental conditions would be an asset
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good computer skills including, MS Word and Excel
• UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities would be an asset

ABILITY TO:

• Communicate effectively in a sensitive, courteous manner with students, parents, staff and the general public, even in difficult or challenging situations;
• Use interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, eg, tact, patience, flexibility, courtesy and compassion
• Work as a team player to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Follow directions, policies and procedures in an appropriate and timely manner to assist with monitoring and evaluation of students’ progress and behaviours as modelled by Special Education Teacher/s
• Keep accurate records and submit reports in a timely manner as modelled by Special Education Teacher/s
• Meet physical requirements necessary to perform assigned duties in a safe and effective manner for self and others
• Maintain a suitable learning environment including appropriate planning and organisation of classroom or related setting and educational aids as modelled by Special Education Teacher/s
• Understanding of and commitment to confidentiality

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

Standing and walking short distances frequently on a daily basis; sitting, bending, twisting, squatting, and pushing/ pulling regularly to occasionally; assisting another teacher with lifting students to redirect them. Frequent use of hands, vision, hearing, speech/ language processes; physical strength and emotional stamina sufficient to help organize and coordinate a variety of activities; ability to use a variety of special educational materials and supplies, telephone, computer and teaching aids.