Life Skills Aide @ Preble Shawnee Local Schools

POSITION

Life Skills Aide

REPORTS TO

Building Principal/Assistant Building Principal or Designee

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Full-Time, 186 Days, FLSA Non-Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid Ohio Certification/Licensure by the State of Ohio, Department of Education, as required
• Previous experience working with children or students with physical, cognitive, developmental, or other disabilities is desirable.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, teachers, related service providers, and parents.
• Patience, empathy, flexibility, and a genuine interest in supporting students with disabilities and promoting their independence.
• Ability to follow directions, maintain confidentiality, and uphold professional standards.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a special education team and follow individualized student plans and supports.
• Ability to assist students with personal care and physical needs in a respectful and dignified manner.
• Ability to safely assist students with mobility, positioning, transfers, and other physical needs as directed and trained.
• Basic computer skills and familiarity with educational technology tools.
• Valid Ohio Driver's License
• Must pass criminal background check

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Life Skills Aide provides direct support to students with physical, cognitive, developmental, and/or other disabilities within the educational setting. The Life Skills Aide works under the direction of the classroom teacher and special education staff to assist students in accessing instruction, developing independence, participating in classroom and school activities, and safely navigating the school environment. The position may include one-on-one support, personal care assistance, mobility assistance, classroom transitions, and implementation of individualized supports as directed by the student's educational team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide individualized, one-on-one or small group support to students with physical, cognitive, developmental, and/or other disabilities as directed by the classroom teacher and special education staff.
• Assist students in accessing and participating in classroom instruction, activities, assignments, and school-wide activities.
• Support students in developing independence and functional life skills by encouraging students to participate in tasks to the greatest extent possible.
• Assist students with transitions between classrooms, activities, transportation areas, the cafeteria, restrooms, playgrounds, and other areas of the school as needed.
• Provide assistance with personal care needs, including restroom use, hygiene, dressing, feeding, and other daily living activities as appropriate and directed by the student's educational team.
• Assist students with mobility and physical needs, including walking, positioning, transferring, and use of adaptive equipment or mobility devices, as trained and directed.
• Maintain the dignity, privacy, safety, and confidentiality of students while providing personal care and physical assistance.
• Follow and implement student-specific supports, accommodations, and strategies outlined in IEPs, behavior plans, health plans, and other individualized plans as directed by appropriate staff.
• Assist teachers and related service providers in implementing educational, behavioral, communication, and functional skill activities.
• Monitor students closely to ensure their safety and well-being during instructional activities, transitions, personal care, transportation, and non-instructional periods.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized learning environment that meets the individual needs of students.
• Support students in developing appropriate social, communication, behavioral, and self-help skills.
• Reinforce classroom expectations, routines, and appropriate behaviors in accordance with teacher direction, student plans, and district policies.
• Observe and communicate relevant information regarding student progress, behavior, physical needs, concerns, and achievements to the appropriate teacher or supervisor.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information, educational records, medical information, and other matters related to students and families.
• Assist with the use of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, communication devices, and other specialized materials as trained and directed.
• Assist students during meals and snacks as needed, including following student-specific feeding procedures and safety requirements.
• Assist with emergency procedures and follow student-specific safety, medical, and crisis response procedures as trained.
• Participate in training sessions, workshops, and professional development activities to enhance job skills, including training related to special education, student safety, personal care, mobility, and student-specific needs.
• Uses support services and resources to enhance the teaching and learning process.
• Creates an environment for success, fosters a love of learning while creativity and innovative thinking are valued and encouraged.
• Promotes and maintains a safe environment as defined by district policy and procedures.
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Perform any and all other duties as assigned by the Superintendent, his/her designee, or the employee's principal/supervisor or his/her designee.

OTHER DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS

• Serves as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings.
• Conducts and presents the position in a professional manner.
• Maintains a positive work attitude.
• Effectively uses verbal, nonverbal, writing, and listening skills.
• Performs duty assignments e.g. parking lot, cafeteria and restroom.
• Actively seeks to acquire knowledge and skills to meet new challenges through involvement in professional development activities.
• Is punctual and thorough in implementation of all assigned duties.

KNOWLEDGE OF

Board policies and procedures, building policies and procedures, student code of conduct, special education practices and procedures, student-specific IEPs and support plans, emergency preparedness drills, personal care and safety procedures, confidentiality requirements, public relations, federal and state reporting, and records management.

ABILITY TO

Interpret policies, procedures and regulations, follow instructions, communicate effectively, maintain confidentiality, recognize individual differences and student needs, develop a rapport with students, staff, co-workers, administration and the public, assist students with physical and personal care needs, safely perform lifting and mobility assistance as trained, and work cooperatively as a member of an educational team.

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

OCCASIONAL

Exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue, lifting (10-20 pounds) of supplies and materials. Duties may require exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes. Exposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent based on circumstances and factors that may not be predictable. Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases. Potential for interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.

PERIODIC

Exposure to loud noise, extreme temperatures from program environment, irritating and hazardous chemicals, fumes, and unruly children and adults. Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle. Duties may require traveling to meetings and work assignments. Duties may require prolonged use of a computer keyboard and monitor. Duties may require working extended hours. Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.

FREQUENT

Prolonged periods of standing and lifting (10-20 pounds) of supplies and materials. Bending, stooping and reaching for items. Follow all Board safety rules and procedures. Participate in the school safety training when requested.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties may be assigned.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary as per salary schedule in effect as adopted by the Board of Education. The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance use in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the District.