Special Needs Assistant

Program: Birth to Five Head Start
Employment Status: Non-exempt
DEPARTMENT: Disability/Mental Health Services
Job Classification: Regular, Full-time
REPORTS TO: Disability/Mental Health Technician
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Supervises: None
Location: Based out of the Central Administration Office, 101 South Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78405

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Special Needs Assistant provides on-site support to the classroom with children that have been diagnosed with a significant disability and works with children in accordance with the classroom management with a Mental Health Behavior Intervention plan. This requires the Special Needs Assistant to assist the teacher in stabilizing the learning environment through a daily curriculum lesson plan for a child with special needs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School diploma or GED with experience working with young children.
• Must have Child Development Associate Credential or be in the process of obtaining one.
• Must successfully complete and maintain the following permits, and certifications:
  • Food Handlers Permit; will need to be renewed every two (2) years by expiration date
  • Adult/Infant/Toddler First Aid/CPR certification - to be renewed every two (2) years by expiration date
• Bilingual ability in English and Spanish preferred but not required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Maintains open lines of communication with immediate supervisor.
• Assists in the classroom to provide support and technical assistance to the teacher with those children experiencing difficulty in managing their emotions and behaviors.
• Implements and applies long- and short-term objectives/goals of I.E.P. (Individual Educational Plan) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and assists teachers on implementation as well as provides materials to children with special needs.
• Follows day to day direction by classroom teacher regarding daily lesson plans, classroom schedules and activities.
• Cooperates with classroom staff and works collaboratively with the Disability/Mental Health staff, Special Education staff, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), therapists, Local Education Agency (LEA), while implementing appropriate behavior management techniques for children with disabilities.
• Assists assigned child or children with developing their social emotional skills.
• Assists the child with toileting or other personal care as needed during hours of operation.
• Provides individualized instruction to enhance the child's learning capabilities.
• Reinforces positive and acceptable social behaviors.
• Meets with Disability/Mental Health Technician or Coordinator to discuss progress and strategies.
• Observe and assist the child on a daily basis to create a safe, healthy learning environment in the classroom.
• To supervise children at all times and assure the safety of all children including the assigned child.
• Promotes high self-esteem, is a good role model, follows the agency's behavior management system and code of ethics.
• Must comply with the applicable confidentiality provisions in Part B or Part C of IDEA and maintain confidentiality of the child's record.
• Maintains daily documentation of assigned child or children and documents progress of each child in the agency database daily.
• Attends Head Start workshops and training sessions when assigned.
• Will provide visual aids, modified schedules, flipcharts and other tools needed to best meet the needs of the child.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires 24 clock hours annually.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test, TB screen, physical and functional capacity evaluation prior to the first day of employment.
• Must have transportation and current liability coverage on vehicle to be used in the performance of job duties. Moderate travel on a daily basis may be required.
• Possesses a valid Texas Driver's license (Operators-Class C) and is subject to review/approval by insurance company on driving record.
• Dresses in appropriate attire with a neat personal appearance.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
• Proof of work eligibility must be provided.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Accepts responsibility for the direction, control, or planning of activities.
• Influences people in their opinions, attitudes, or judgments about ideas.
• Makes judgments or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria -- relies on one or more of the five physical senses.
• Makes decisions based on measurable or verifiable data.
• Able to give and receive instructions in a courteous, cooperative, conscientious, and tactful manner when dealing with co-workers, children, parents and volunteers.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.