A Mental Health Assistant provides basic care and assistance with daily activities to patients with mental illnesses or cognitive disabilities. Helps patients dress and eat, monitors patients' well-being, and restrains patients if they become physically violent. Works in hospitals or mental health care facilities.
Elementary, Middle, or High School (assignments based on candidate preference) Position Summary The Special Education Paraprofessional supports students with disabilities by providing academic, behavioral, and personal‑care assistance as directed by the student's case manager or behaviorist. This role ensures students can access their educational programs safely and successfully, including support with feeding, toileting, positioning, mobility, and health‑related needs. Key Responsibilities Student Instruction Support — Provide one‑on‑one or small‑group instruction in areas such as cognitive skills, motor skills, self‑help skills, feeding, and behavior regulation. Health & Safety Monitoring — Maintain awareness of student needs and environmental risks to ensure safety for students with physical or developmental disabilities. Personal Care Assistance — Support students with hygiene tasks including handwashing, toileting, diapering, and clothing changes. Behavior Support — Monitor and guide student behavior using established behavior plans and positive intervention strategies. Physical Support — Assist students with braces, orthopedic equipment, lifting, positioning, and repositioning as needed. Mainstreaming Preparation — Help prepare students for participation in general education settings. Recordkeeping — Assist teachers with maintaining documentation related to student progress and program requirements. Collaboration — Work with case managers, general education teachers, specialists, and support staff to meet student needs. Social Skills Support — Assist students in developing appropriate social interactions with peers and staff. Training Participation — Attend required trainings and in‑services related to instructional programs and medical interventions. Other duties as assigned to support student learning and safety. Candidate Requirements Experience working with students with disabilities preferred Ability to assist with personal care, mobility, and behavior support Willingness to work across grade levels (preferences honored when possible) Ability to work cooperatively and independently
