Terms of Employment:

Length of position: 9.5 months

Hours: 7:30 A.M.- 4:30 P.M.

This is a one-year position for the 2024-2025 school year. This position has an end date of May 30, 2025

SUMMARY

This position provides direct support to a student for all or part of the instructional day as determined by the student’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP).  The TA works cooperatively with a variety of direct service providers and consultants including:  classroom teachers; teachers of children with hearing impairments, visual impairments, or severe disabilities; speech therapists; occupational and physical therapists; orientation and mobility instructors; behavior staff; and other professionals as well as paraprofessionals. Works under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assumes primary responsibility to provide direct support to a student during all or part of a school day as part of an educational team, and as indicated in the student’s IEP.
• Follows the student’s IEP and the modifications and instructional techniques recommended by related service staff.
• Provides the degree of support necessary to ensure effective communication.
• Assists in ensuring that necessary environmental modifications are in place.
• Becomes proficient in students’ individual communication methods and strategies.
• Models appropriate interactions with the student for the educational team, students and community.
• Provides opportunities for the student to socialize with peers.
• Fosters independence by encouraging the student to try to do as much for himself/herself as he/she can.
• Displays proficient levels of technology applications.
• Keeps the teachers or administrators informed of special needs or problems of individual student.
• Maintains communication between home and school, and keeps a daily log of information about the student and his or her activities.
• Participates in IEP meetings and student staffing
• Assists student with physical disabilities according ho his/her needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting or positioning, hygiene needs and signing or interpreting instructions for them.
• Demonstrates ability to manage time effectively, be well organized, and to remain flexible.
• Escorts and monitors student to and from bus, to and from cafeteria, and to and from classroom and daily activities whenever necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• One year of experience working with children in an educational or residential setting or 48 semester hours of related college coursework in education, human behavior, or a field related to childcare.
• Sign Language: At hire, the applicant must have sign language skills equivalent to a Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) level of Advanced.  When applying, the applicant must submit documentation that the applicant believes substantiates that the applicant has achieved the proficiency level required at hire.

QUALIFICATIONS DESIRED

• Proficient signed communications skills
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, or a related field
• Experience in a residential school for the deaf working with students who have additional disabilities such as emotional disturbance, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or aggressive behaviors
• Experience with Positive Behavior Support practices and managing aggressive behavior systems (e.g. Mandt)
• Experience implementing behavior programs

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities/Attributes

• Instructional Knowledge— knowledge of content; instructional methodologies, classroom management
• Problem solving—the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Effective Communication—the individual must be able to appropriately communicate with colleagues, students, parents, families, administrators, supervisors, and the public.
• Planning/organizing—the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently, and develops realistic action plans.
• Quality control—the individual demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness and monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Dependability—the individual is consistently at work and on time, follows instructions, responds to management direction and solicits feedback to improve performance.
• Safety and security—the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.
• Interpersonal Skills—the individual maintains confidentiality, remains open to others’ ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.

SUPERVISOR

Department Principal

Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) Code:

None Equivalent 

It is the Texas School for the Deaf’s (TSD) policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation or belief, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. TSD expressly prohibits any form of workplace discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. Retaliation against individuals who oppose unlawful discrimination or participate in an employment discrimination proceeding is also prohibited. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, firing, promotions, training, wages, and benefits. In addition to federal law requirements, TSD complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.