Student Support Assistant Autism Services

Employment Status: Part-time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Reports to: Principal

Benefits: Part-time benefits may vary based on employment status and location.

Summary:

The Student Support Assistant – Autism Services fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by providing individualized support to students with autism and related learning, behavioral, communication, and social needs in a loving, Christ-centered environment. The Student Support Assistant works collaboratively with classroom teachers, administration, families, and other professionals to help students access the academic, social, behavioral, and spiritual life of the school.

The Student Support Assistant supports the implementation of strategies, accommodations, routines, and interventions designed to promote student success, independence, self-regulation, communication, positive relationships, and participation in the classroom and school community. The position is designed to support students within the least restrictive and most inclusive environment appropriate to their individual needs while maintaining the dignity and respect of each child.

Position Responsibilities:

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school.
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Supports and adheres to the policies and procedures of the school and Archdiocese of San Antonio, including the Religious Standards for Catholic School Employees.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding students, families, school matters, and student records.
• Adheres to safety training and protocols on a daily basis and takes precautionary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of self and others.
• Maintains appropriate confidentiality regarding student information, educational records, services, family information, and other sensitive matters.
• Adheres to the Code of Conduct and Faith and Moral Policy.
• Takes a solution-oriented approach in interactions and undertakings and promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Student Support and Direct Services:

• Provide individualized support to students with autism as directed by the classroom teacher and/or administrator.
• Assist students in accessing classroom instruction, assignments, activities, and assessments.
• Support students in developing and maintaining appropriate classroom routines and expectations.
• Provide assistance with transitions between classrooms, activities, locations, and school routines.
• Support students in developing independence and self-advocacy skills rather than creating unnecessary dependence on adult assistance.
• Reinforce appropriate communication, social interaction, and peer relationships.
• Assist students in developing appropriate self-regulation and coping strategies.
• Provide support during periods of frustration, dysregulation, or challenging behavior using school-approved strategies and procedures.
• Implement behavioral and instructional strategies as directed by the classroom teacher, administrator, or appropriate professional.
• Assist students in following visual schedules, task sequences, organizational systems, and other supports designed to increase independence.
• Provide appropriate prompting and gradually reduce assistance as student independence develops.
• Support students during less structured settings, including arrival, dismissal, lunch, recess, specials, assemblies, Mass, field trips, and other school activities.
• Assist with personal care, hygiene, health, and safety needs when required and appropriate to the student's individual needs.
• Monitor student safety and communicate concerns promptly to the appropriate staff member.
• Encourage participation in the academic, social, and spiritual life of the school community.

Classroom Support:

• Work collaboratively with classroom teachers to provide appropriate support within the classroom environment.
• Assist teachers in adapting or organizing instructional materials and activities to support student access and participation.
• Help students begin, sustain, and complete classroom assignments and activities.
• Reinforce concepts and directions previously taught by the classroom teacher.
• Support students in using appropriate organizational strategies and materials.
• Assist with small-group or individualized activities planned by the classroom teacher.
• Provide support without unnecessarily removing students from classroom instruction or peer activities.
• Help maintain a structured, predictable, and supportive learning environment.
• Assist with classroom transitions and routines.
• Follow teacher direction regarding instructional priorities, student expectations, and classroom procedures.

Behavior and Social-Emotional Support:

• Build positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with students.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to individual student needs and triggers.
• Reinforce positive behaviors and appropriate choices.
• Support students in identifying and using appropriate strategies for managing emotions, frustration, sensory needs, and changes in routine.
• Follow established behavior support strategies and safety procedures.
• Maintain a calm, patient, and supportive presence during challenging situations.
• Avoid power struggles and respond to challenging behavior in a respectful and solution-oriented manner.
• Document and communicate significant behavioral incidents, concerns, or changes in student functioning as directed by the teacher or administrator.
• Protect the dignity and privacy of students at all times.

Planning/Preparation:

• Confer regularly with classroom teachers regarding student needs, progress, concerns, and successful strategies.
• Review student schedules, accommodations, support strategies, and other information necessary to provide appropriate assistance.
• Assist in preparing materials, visual supports, organizational tools, and other resources designed to support student success.
• Prepare or organize individualized materials as directed by the classroom teacher or administrator.
• Anticipate potential challenges related to transitions, changes in routine, assignments, or school activities and communicate concerns appropriately.
• Assist in preparing students for changes in schedule, special events, assemblies, Mass, field trips, and other activities.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with classroom teachers, administration, counselors, specialists, and other professionals involved in supporting students.
• Communicate regularly with the classroom teacher regarding student progress, needs, behaviors, and concerns.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries when communicating with parents and guardians.
• Refer questions or concerns regarding instruction, student progress, diagnosis, services, or educational programming to the appropriate teacher or administrator.
• Participate in meetings and professional development related to student support as assigned.
• Work as an effective team member and demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and shared responsibility.
• Exercise service orientation when working with students, families, staff, and other members of the school community.

Administrative/Management:

• Use time efficiently and remain actively engaged in assigned responsibilities.
• Provide student supervision before, during, and after school as assigned.
• Assist with student arrival, dismissal, transitions, recess, lunch, and other supervised activities.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and supportive environment for students.
• Assist in maintaining the security of student records, materials, and equipment.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation as directed.
• Follow established procedures for communicating student concerns, incidents, and unusual events.
• Keep the supervisor informed of potential problems or significant changes in student needs.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate patience, compassion, flexibility, and professionalism when working with students.
• Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain regular attendance and punctuality and demonstrate an appropriate work ethic.
• Maintain high ethical and professional standards.
• Use effective and positive interpersonal communication skills.
• Respond to inquiries and concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Demonstrate support for the school and its goals and priorities.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with students and families.
• Participate in required training and professional development.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn about autism, neurodiversity, evidence-based student support strategies, and inclusive educational practices.
• Demonstrate initiative in identifying potential problems or opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in cross-training activities as required.
• Perform other tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional education or experience in special education, autism support, child development, psychology, education, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with children or adolescents with autism, developmental differences, behavioral needs, or other learning needs preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, families, and other professionals.
• Demonstrated patience, compassion, flexibility, and the ability to remain calm in challenging situations.
• Ability to follow established instructional, behavioral, safety, and student-support procedures.
• Commitment to the mission and philosophy of Catholic education.
• Successful completion of required background checks, Safe Environment training, and other Archdiocesan requirements. 

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise as needed.

The Archdiocese of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.