Special Education Paraprofessional/Certified Nurse Assistant or Patient Care Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

• The dual-role special education paraprofessional / certified nurse assistant / patient care technician provides assistance to the special education teacher in providing for the medical, physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in the special education setting
• Paraprofessionals assist in the implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, hygiene, behavior management, and instructional programs
• Paraprofessionals are expected to attend relevant professional development
• Paraprofessionals work under the general supervision of the principal and under the immediate direction of the certified teacher and for medical needs, will work under the campus RN

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Certification :

• High School Diploma or GED
• Valid Certified Nurse Assistant / Patient Care Technician certification (required), including 1st Aide / CPR certification
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate (preferred)
• Participate in and successfully complete / maintain crisis intervention / restraint training
• Participate in and successfully complete training for FERPA, HIPAA & TBSI

Special Knowledge / Skills / Physical Requirements :

• Must have completed at least 30 college hours; or
• Obtained an associate’s (or higher) degree; or
• Meet formal academic assessment as demonstrated through a formal State or local academic assessment

Physical Requirements considered as essential functions to this position :

• Lifting up to 50 pounds
• Physical ability to maneuver students with significantly impaired mobility (e.g. use a Hoyer-type lift, conduct wheelchair / hospital bed transfers, load students on to a bus lift)
• Frequent walking / standing for long periods of time that will include kneeling / squatting, bending / stooping, pushing / pulling and twisting

Experience :

Experience working with children / students with medical conditions, autism spectrum disorder & / or intellectual / developmental / emotional / behavioral / physical disabilities

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Nursing Assistance & Care - Within the TIDES classroom, providing the nursing plan for assigned students takes priority and is the immediate and primary focus
• Under the direction of the campus, RN / District RN Supervisor implements the nursing plan of care for assigned students.

This may include providing enteral feedings, catheterizations, site / wound care, monitoring bodily functions or other delegated nursing care duties as assigned.

• Under the direction of the RN, assist with coordination of management system to administer medications to students at school
• Under the direction of the campus RN, administer medications according to district policy and procedures
• Recognize differences in student’s special medical or physical needs and alert campus nurses accordingly and keep teachers (including substitute teachers) informed of special needs or problems of the assigned student(s)
• Complete all required paperwork for the nursing plan and communicate regularly with the campus RN and classroom teacher.

The CNA / PCT does not communicate directly with parents.)

Report all suspected situations of child abuse per the State of Texas requirements Report potential health / safety hazards to campus RN, district RN, and campus administrator

B. Personal Care / Hygiene Support :

• Help meet the individual needs of the student(s) including transferring to and from wheelchairs; lifting and positioning and assisting with other physical needs
• Help meet the individual needs of the student(s) including providing personal care such as feeding & / or tube-feeding;

bathroom needs which may including changing diapers, feminine hygiene care, and personal hygiene

C. Instructional / Behavioral Support :

• Assist teachers and follow teacher instructions in the preparation and management of instructional materials, learning stations and related classroom displays
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher, including modifying work appropriately and collecting data.

Assist substitute teachers by relaying the classroom information.

• Recognize differences in student’s special communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly and keep teachers (including substitute teachers) informed of special needs or problems of the assigned student(s).
• Help manage the behavior of assigned student(s) using positive behavior supports and collecting data as determined by the teacher.

It may also include intervening in crisis situations and restraining a student who is in danger of hurting himself or others as needed or directed.

Assist & / or to supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom, in various educational environments (e.

g. classroom, bus line, cafeteria, gym, restroom, playground). This can include assigned duty stations throughout the campus.

• Assist teacher in maintaining the orderly appearance of the classroom as described in the Checklist for 10 Critical Components, specifically related to the physical arrangement of the classroom, organization of materials, use of visual strategies and maintaining the classroom GATOR station
• Assist teachers by utilizing visual strategies for instruction, use of preventative positive behavioral supports, assistive technology and using assigned student(s) communication system / strategies

Requirements specific to Special Education Assignments :

• Review assigned student(s) IEP and BIP
• Maintain an effective working relationship with colleagues and work as a team member to meet the needs of students
• Treat all students with professional courtesy and respect : Maintain FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality regarding students’ educational and medical records
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

EXPECTATIONS OF MENTAL DEMANDS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS : The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Tools / Equipment Used : Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment;

other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students

• Posture : Frequent standing; kneeling / squatting, bending / stooping, pushing / pulling, and twisting
• Motion : Frequent walking and reaching
• Lifting : Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and / or positioning students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting non-ambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment
• Environment : Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (body fluids, bacteria, communicable diseases)
• Mental Demands : Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress
• Professional Dress : Dress must be clean, neat, in a manner appropriate for his or her assignment and in accordance with any additional standards established by his or her supervisor and approved by the Superintendent.

During work hours, visible body piercings (except earrings) will not be allowed. Visible tattoos will be covered at all times.

A medical uniform dress ( scrubs ) is appropriate. CNA / PCT tag must be worn with ID at all times