About this role
Job Title: Special Needs Paraprofessional - Functional Academics (2026-2027) Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt Reports to: Principal and Teacher(s) Assigned Dept./School: Robinson High School Date Revised: 09/2026 Immediate Opening Primary Purpose: Help meet the physical and instructional needs of individual students with disabilities in a self-contained classroom setting, as well as outside the classroom. Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP), including self-help, behavior management, and instructional programs. Work under the general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher. Qualifications: Education/Certification: High school diploma or GED Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate or 48 hours of college credit (must be willing to attain Texas Educational Aide Certificate) Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to work with children with disabilities Ability to follow verbal and written instructions Ability to communicate effectively and remain calm under stressful situations Ability to work closely with a team in a rapidly changing environment Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certified, or willing to be CPI trained Experience: Two years experience working with children (preferred) Major Responsibilities and Duties: Student Management
• Help meet the individual needs of students, including transferring them to and from wheelchairs, lifting and positioning them, and signing or interpreting instructions for them, etc.
• Help students take care of physical needs and personal care.
• Utilize approved de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies to help manage the behavior of assigned students and maintain a safe, supportive classroom environment during moments of high-escalation. This includes restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Work with assigned students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
• Assist assigned students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep the teacher informed of special needs or problems of assigned students.
• Remain flexible in performing assigned duties throughout the day, based on evolving student needs.
Other
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None. Equipment Used: Wheelchair lift and ramp. (Note: describe other equipment used based on the condition of a student assigned, i.e., adaptive equipment, oxygen gauges, etc.) Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students; biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases. Perform CPI-compliant student restraints as needed.