Position: Aide, Special Education, Assistive Technology

Location: Special Programs

Primary Purpose:

Provide assistive technology support for teachers and staff to promote the integration of assistive technology into instruction for students with disabilities.

Job Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED

• Must pass criminal history and MVR driving record checks

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

• Knowledge of programming special education assistive technology devices

• Ability to troubleshoot software applications

• Demonstrate technical skills in computer hardware and software

• Ability to read, follow, and interpret software and hardware manuals

• Ability to type on computer keyboard and read monitor

Experience:

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Special Education self-contained classroom experience preferred

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist with distribution, setup, installation, configuration, and updates of district assistive technology-including devices, hardware, software and licensing.
2. Assist with programming, setup, and troubleshooting of hardware, software and communication devices.
3. Assist in installing software, updating software and repairing new and existing assistive technology equipment as required for student use.
4. Assist with professional development for district personnel regarding the repair and maintenance of AT devices and software following ATST, SLP, and/or OT/PT guidance.
5. Assist with backing up devices, including student specific vocabulary.
6. Support, adhere to, and educate La Porte ISD staff on policies regarding copyright protection, electronic media ethics, and equipment management.
7. Assist the ATST team with organizing AT equipment and software for individual teacher, campus, or district professional learning.
8. Maintain accurate records of licenses, applications, and software that belong to the ATST department.
9. Maintain accurate log of repairs or issues with AT equipment, including keeping records of service calls and devices sent for repair. Follow-up with district personnel regarding these issues as applicable.
10. Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
11. Adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines regarding confidentiality.
12. Attend monthly ATST meetings for planning and information sharing.
13. Respond to supervisor phone calls/messages in a timely manner, and refer all discussion of student progress to professionals working with the student.
14. Demonstrates proficient levels of technology applications.
15. Participates fully in drills and safety exercises to provide for the safety and overall emotional wellbeing of students.
16. Utilize time wisely for effective management of job responsibilities.
17. Maintain punctuality in daily work times, appointments, and meetings.
18. Meet task completion deadlines established by supervisor.
19. Maintain friendly customer-service-driven interactions with all stakeholders, students, teachers, administrators, and co-workers.
20. Work cooperatively with co-workers and supervisors to ensure that the goals of the school/department are met.
21. Maintain a positive and professional tone in all communication (i.e. email, written, and verbal).
22. Perform other duties and accept other responsibilities as assigned.

Other Information 

Your application is not complete until three current references have been received. These references must include your current principal or supervisor. You will also need to attach a resume, letter of interest and transcript or ParaEducator Certification issued by San Jacinto College or other local educational entity.

The district contributes $400/monthly to the cost of "employee-only" health insurance which is $175/monthly greater than the state required amount of $225/monthly.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stoopping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Frequent walking, prolonged and repetitive hand motion, frequent districtwide travel
• Lifting: Frequent light lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling (less than 15 pounds); occasional lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling (up to 50 pounds), moving educational equipment
• Environment: Work inside and outside, regular exposure to noise and the elements
• Mental Demands: Maintain control under stress and ability to work with frequent interruptions

Pay Grade: Paraprofessional, Pay Grade 1, 187 Days

Minimum:  $12.04