Aide Special Education Deaf Sign Language RDSPD 2026-2027

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Facilitate communication by translating spoken language into signed language at a level that is appropriate to the student’s linguistic needs
• Assist the classroom teacher to provide services that are appropriate and consistent with goals contained in the individual education plan (IEP)
• Interact with students in a variety of settings to ensure student safety and engagement (e.g., hallways, classroom, restroom, playground, arrival/departure)
• Assist with classroom management by maintaining alert attention regarding supervision of students at all times in a variety of settings
• Execute behavioral strategies as identified by the teacher based upon ARD documents (e.g., reinforcements, consequences, contingencies)
• Implement academic / functional lessons under the guidance and direction of the teacher in a variety of settings (e.g., large group, small group, or independent practice)
• Record service implementation on approved logs (e.g., inclusive support logs, accommodation logs)
• Collect data, document, and chart student progress in collaboration with the teacher
• Provide visual communication to facilitate language for deaf/hard of hearing students under the guidance and direction of the teacher
• Assist students with personal care services (e.g., feeding, cleaning, dressing, lifting, positioning, transitioning, toileting, changing)
• Maintain confidentiality of student information
• Prepare instructional materials under the guidance and direction of the teacher

Compliance

• Comply with and meet federal and state mandates and local board policy
• Demonstrate compliance to meet federal and state mandates and local board policy under the supervision of the classroom teacher for activities which include related to classroom instruction and IEP development
• Compile, maintain, and file/submit all reports, records, and other documents
• Participate in continuing education experiences and professional development to enhance the skills/knowledge necessary to serve program students

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

• Minimum of 48 college hours or passing score on the Para Professional Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Test
• Texas Educational Aide Certification or obtain within 10 days of hire
• De-Escalation/Restraint Certification or obtain within 30 days of hire per district procedure (district provided)
• Proficient in using Windows Operating System as well as Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate information in sign language

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics and physical demands 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 the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.

The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.

Additional Information

• The employee may be required to work outside up to 25% of the time and will be exposed to the elements and inclement weather. The position may require lifting and positioning students, controlling certain behaviors through hands-on behavior intervention strategies and approved physical restraint strategies. Paraprofessionals may be expected to intervene with students' behavior, which can include aggression, self-injurious, disruptive, and self-stimulatory behaviors. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties, as well as potential exposure to bodily fluids and frequent childhood, pre-teen, and teen illnesses.
• This position is funded by grant funds. This position may be discontinued if grant funds are no longer available.