JOB TITLE: Life Skills Aide
HOUR STATUS: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education/Principal
PAY GRADE: Aide 4 /187 Days
DEPT./SCHOOL: Special Education
DATE REVISED: 05/2026
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
To support the needs of Special Education regarding Life Skills, Pre-School Program for Children with Disabilities (PCMD), and Functional Academics (FA) and other duties as assigned with our special education program. Assist special education teacher(s) in providing for the physical and instructional needs of student(s) with significant disabilities. Assist in the implementation of highly structured classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and academic and functional instruction.
Work under the general supervision of the Director of Special Education, campus principal and the immediate direction of a certified special education teacher.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Certifications, Licenses, Registration:
1) 48 hours of college credit, or
2) Associate's Degree or higher, or
3) HS or GED with Paraprofessional certificate, and
4) Certified in or get certified within the first year of work w/Handle With Care
Language Skills:
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students, other employees of the organization, and parents.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Provide appropriate individual and group services to students consistent with special education goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP) as planned by the department/campus.
Collaborate with classroom teachers to improve classroom-based activities to improve oral and written language skills of students.
Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
May assist students with physical disabilities according to their individual needs, including transferring them to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
May assist students with physical needs and personal care including feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene.
May assist in managing the behavior of students and crisis intervention, including the possibility of restraining a student to prevent him/her causing imminent harm to self or others.
Assist in supervising students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom, including lunchroom, bus duty, and playground. Keep the teacher informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.
May work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises designed and created by the special education teacher.
Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy.
Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations. Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom. Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
Maintain confidentiality.
Comply with all regulations and timelines related to Special Education state and federal guidelines. Assist in inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
Comply with district procedure regarding student data management to include but not limited to maintaining accurate eSPED and SHARS entries.
Effectively communicate with supervising personnel regarding the progress of goals and needs of the student.
Participate in staff-development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as needed.
Participate in team meetings and in-services.
Participate with Response to Intervention as directed by supervising personnel.
Assist students individually or in groups, with lesson assignments to present or reinforce learning concepts initially introduced by the teacher.
Reads to students, listens to students read, and participate in other forms of oral communication with students.
Operates and cares for equipment and instructional material, as assigned by the supervisor.
Presents subject matter to students utilizing a variety of methods and techniques such as lectures, discussions, and supervised role playing.
Perform other such duties as may be assigned by supervisor.
Supports the provision of direct therapy and documented treatment plans.
Supports the documentation of student performance, including but not limited to tallying data, preparing charts, records, and graphs and reporting information.
Assists during student assessments.
Assists with clerical duties such as preparing materials and scheduling activities.
Assists with checks and maintenance of equipment.
Assist instructional personnel in the implementation of IEPs.
Supports research projects and in-service training programs.
Assists with departmental operations such as scheduling, record-keeping, and safety/maintenance of supplies and equipment.
Collect data for quality improvement.
Exhibits compliance with state and federal regulations.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate (verbal and written); provide instruction; and maintain emotional control under stress.
Physical Demand/Environmental Factors:
District and campus wide travel; moderate lifting and carrying.
EQUIPMENT USED:
Wheelchair lift, ramps, personal computer, copier, typewriter, and audio-visual equipment.
Mental Demands:
Ability to communicate (verbal and written); interpret data, provide instruction; and maintain emotional control under stress. Ability to read and follow a daily routine and schedule geared toward serving students. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal); and maintain emotional control under potentially volatile situations and prolonged stress.
Physical Demand/Environmental Factors:
Regular district-wide travel; moderate lifting and carrying. Frequent standing; stooping; bending; kneeling; pushing and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. Possible exposure to biological hazards, including bacteria and communicable diseases.
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.
Copperas Cove ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, or age in its programs, activities or employment practices.
For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies, contact: Executive Director of Human Resources, (254) 547-1227, 408 S. Main, Copperas Cove, TX 76522
___________________
