Special Education Paraprofessional
20-30 Hours Per Week
185 Days Per Year (9 Month)
Starting is $16.54/hr (depending on experience)
Purpose Statement
The job of SPED Paraprofessional is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for assisting in the supervision, care and instruction of special needs students in the regular classroom or in a self-contained classroom; assisting in implementing plans for instruction; monitoring student behavior during non-classroom time; and providing information to appropriate school personnel.
This job reports to Director - Special Education
Essential Functions
- Adapts student work, under the direction of the assigned teacher, (e.g. classroom assignments and/or materials, tests, homework, make-up work, etc.) for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
- Administers first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs.
- Assists medically fragile or physically disabled students for the purpose of maintaining students' personal hygiene.
- Attends meetings (e.g. department, in-service, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
- Communicates with stakeholders (e.g. students, parents, staff, etc.) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
- Implements behavioral plans, designed by the IEP team, under the direction of the assigned teacher, for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
- Maintains classroom (e.g. documents, files, records, instructional materials, equipment, work areas, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items, providing written reference, and/or meeting mandated requirements.
- Monitors students within a variety of school environments (e.g. rest rooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeteria, parking lots, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
- Provides instruction to students, individually and in small groups, as directed by the classroom teacher (e.g. academic subjects, social skills, daily living skills, etc.) for the purpose of reinforcing instructional objectives; implementing IEP plans; and ensuring students success in school.
- Reports observations and incidents (e.g. accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
- Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured student, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Supports classroom teachers and other school personnel for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of curriculum and teaching methodologies.
Other Functions - Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; safety practices and procedures; conflict resolution; and stages of child development/ behavior.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups;
maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some climbing and balancing, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.
Experience: Job related experience is desired.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Required Testing
None Specified
Certificates and Licenses
CPR/First Aid Certificate
PTSB Para Professional Assessment
Continuing Educ. / Training
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses
Clearances
Criminal Background Clearance
FLSA Status
Non Exempt
