Job Title:
Behavior Learning Paraprofessional
Company: Dickinson Independent School District (TX)
Location: Texas City, TX
Created: 2026-04-15
Job Type: Full Time
Job Description:
Position: Special Education Behavior Paraprofessional Campus: McAdams Junior High School Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt Immediate Supervisor(s): Campus Principal and Executive Director of Special Programs Pay Grade: Per Compensation Manual Days Employed: Per Compensation Manual POSITION SUMMARY: * Provide direct student assistance for physical and instructional needs in a special/general education setting * Implement the CPI framework for crisis prevention, verbal de-escalation and physical restraints * Assist as directed with classroom programs, self-help/self-care, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the director, principal, and immediate direction of a certified teacher. QUALIFICATIONS: Education/Certification: * High School Diploma or GED * Must have completed at least 30 college hours; OR * Met a rigorous standard of quality, demonstrated through a formal State or local academic assessment * Valid Texas educational aide certificate * Current CPI training Special Required Knowledge/Skills to meet Essential Functions: * Ability to work with children who have emotional and behavioral disabilities while maintaining a calm demeanor * Ability to communicate effectively, including maintaining descriptive behavioral data * Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions * Must be willing to participate in and successfully complete/maintain crisis intervention training * Must be able to effectively manage the mental demands and stress associated with the responsibilities and duties listed below * Must be willing to participate in and successfully complete TBSI Training * Physical ability to lift/maneuver students with significantly impaired independent mobility or who are engaged in behavior that is endangering self/others * Knowledge of general office equipment and MS Office and Google Drive systems Experience: * Recent experience working with students with emotional, and behavioral disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual/developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Student Management: * Assist with the behavior management of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations, restraining dangerous students as needed, and recording data. * Work with individual students or small groups to develop pro-social, school-appropriate behavioral skills and conduct instructional exercises supervised by the classroom teacher, including modifying work appropriately * Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs, including alternative forms of communication such as pictures, signs, gestures, and special equipment * Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning(Minimum of 50 lbs.) * Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene * Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher, including modifying work appropriately * Help supervise students through the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This may include student supervision on the bus and other school settings (lunchroom, playground, gym, etc) * Keep the teacher informed of the special needs of individual students * Support and participate in extracurricular activities, as needed Instructional Support: * Assist the teacher and follow teacher instructions in the preparation of instructional materials * Assist with restoring the classroom setting as needed following classroom disruption incidents * Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment * Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers regarding the special needs of the assigned student (s) Other: * Maintain FERPA and HIPAA confidentiality * Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned * Perform other duties as assigned ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS PER PROGRAM: Individual Student Paraprofessional Requirements: * Maintain structure and a schedule for students * Assist students with behavioral, physical, or academic tasks * Lifting and restroom assistance (may include assistance with feminine hygiene) * Demonstrate a willingness to be coached on specific interventions for managing the student's academics, behavior, and daily activities * Demonstrate an understanding of how to set up academic and technology supports that are individualized for the students * Maintain a professional rapport with the student's teachers, campus administration, and director by asking relevant questions about support or assistance * Demonstrate proficiency in operating a Hoyer lift and related equipment * Physically transport the student from one location to the next EQUIPMENT USED: * A wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment. WORKING CONDITIONS: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: * Variable work environments and daily schedule * Maintain emotional control under stress * Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. The strength required to operate the Hoyer lift and related equipment. * Frequent long-distance walks are required for transitioning students between classrooms * Must be able to physically restrain a child, as well as use hand-over-hand techniques * Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable disease