Program Aide Substitute

JOB TITLE: Program AideSubstitute (Special Education) WORKSITE/LOCATION: Monarch Academy, CCSD93 REPORTS TO: Principal or designee

Job Description

TERM/FTE: 10-Mo (180 days) @ 1.0

DEPARTMENT: Special Education

LOCATION: Monarch Academy, CCSD93 District

• Support teachers and classroom teams in implementing instructional activities and daily routines.
• Assist students with autism and complex communication, behavioral, sensory, and learning needs throughout the school day.
• Implement instructional activities under the direction of the classroom teacher.
• Support students in using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, visual supports, and individualized instructional materials.
• Implement behavior support strategies and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) as directed.
• Promote student independence while providing appropriate levels of support.
• Assist with classroom organization, preparation of instructional materials, and maintaining a structured learning environment.
• Supervise students during instructional activities, transitions, lunch, recess, and arrival/dismissal.
• Assist students with personal care and daily living skills as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise students under the direction of the classroom teacher and administration.
• Monitor student safety during all assigned activities.
• Promptly communicate student concerns or incidents to the classroom teacher and administration.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to follow instructional plans and implement teacher direction.
• Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in challenging situations.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students.
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of autism, AAC, or positive behavior supports is preferred but not required.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor for extended periods.
• Ability to actively engage with students throughout the school day.
• Ability to assist students with mobility, positioning, toileting, feeding, and other personal care needs as assigned.
• Ability to safely respond during behavioral crises using district-approved procedures and training.
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to visually supervise students and hear verbal communications and emergency alarms.
• Work is performed in a specialized public day school serving students with autism and complex support needs.
• Work occurs in classrooms, therapy spaces, sensory areas, hallways, cafeterias, and playground.
• Employees work closely with multidisciplinary teams including teachers, RBTs, related service providers, BCBAs, and administrators.
• Work may involve exposure to challenging student behaviors, including aggression, elopement, self-injurious behavior, and other disability-related behaviors.
• Staff receive training and support to ensure safe implementation of instructional and behavioral practices.