Special Education Assistant - Life Skills (MHS)

Position Type :

Paraprofessional - Campus / Special Education Assistant

Date Posted : 1 / 7 / 2026

Location : Mesquite High School

Instructional Support Compensation Plan

Salary Range : $17.16 - $20.79 per / Hour

Shift Type : Full-Time

Wage / Hour Status : Non-Exempt

Reports To : Principal

EMPLOYMENT BEGINS : As soon as possible

PRIMARY PURPOSE :

• To assist the special education teacher in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Certification :

High School Diploma / GED

Texas Educational Aide Certificate

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS :

Work collaboratively with others

Work well with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of general office equipment

EXPERIENCE :

None

Some experience working with children preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES :

Collaborate with the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays

Assist with the instructional program under the direct supervision of a certified teacher by adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs

Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports

Assist students with physical disabilities according to their individualized needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning

Attend to students with physical needs and personal care including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene

Help manage the behavior of students under the direct supervision of a certified teacher

Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher

Report to the teacher any special needs or problems of individual student

Assist assessment team by administering achievement and / or development tests

Help supervise students throughout the day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty

Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers

Maintain confidentiality

Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as needed

Supervise students when teacher is temporarily absent

Perform other duties as assigned

Other School Health and Related Services (SHARS) duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

None

WORKING CONDITIONS : Mental Demands :

Reading, writing, and effective verbal communication

Maintaining emotional control under stress

Exhibiting flexibility in completing job demands

Physical demands / environmental factors :

Standing; stooping; bending; kneeling; pushing and pulling frequently

Lifting paper, books, equipment, and students

Transferring and positioning students to and from wheelchairs

Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases

Experiencing moderate noise level in the work environment

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.